BY USMAN MOHAMMED, JANUARY 31, 2026 | 12:13 PM
Nigerian military has confirmed the elimination of a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, known as Julaibib.
He was killed in an operation carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to a press release issued by the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Julaibib was killed on Friday during an intense encounter with troops around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources identified the slain terrorist as a senior ISWAP commander who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a key insurgent enclave linking parts of southern Borno and northern Yobe states.
Military sources disclosed that the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted the terrorist leader as part of sustained efforts to dismantle ISWAP’s command and control structure in the region.
During the encounter, several ISWAP fighters were also reportedly neutralised, while others fled the area.
The killing of Julaibib, described as a high-value target, has thrown ISWAP elements operating around the Gujba–Timbuktu Triangle axis into disarray, significantly weakening their operational cohesion.
Another security source told this paper that Julaibib played a central role in coordinating insurgent activities, movements and attacks within the Timbuktu Triangle, particularly around Gujba and adjoining communities.
His elimination is therefore regarded as a major blow to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capability in the North-East, the source explained.
In related operations across Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), also neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities.
The operation was carried out following a credible intelligence on insurgent movements.
Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene, while several other terrorists reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
Similarly, on January 29, 2026, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, neutralising one terrorist and recovering two motorcycles, with no casualties recorded among the troops.
Beyond Borno, troops also recorded operational successes in Adamawa State, after a swift response to a distress call in Barama community, Mubi North Local Government Area.
The operation foiled an armed robbery attempt.
Two suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police, with several items including laptops, mobile phones and cutlasses recovered.
Military authorities further disclosed that on January 28, 2026, troops, working with local vigilantes, engaged terrorists along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area, forcing them to retreat and rescuing an abducted woman.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
The military assured that the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains stable, reiterating the commitment of Operation Operation Hadin Kai protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks and work closely with communities and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
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