Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation, Hadin Kai, have successfully neutralized two high-ranking Boko Haram commanders, Basulhu and Ubaida, along with eight other fighters in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. The operation, which took place on January 22, 2026, was carried out by troops under Operation Desert Sanity.
According to a statement by Lt. Col Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, the operation was a response to an attempted ambush by the insurgents, who had planned to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the area. The troops, operating under Sector 1, responded with superior firepower, neutralizing the 10 terrorists and recovering several weapons and equipment.
The recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, and IED accessories. The statement also revealed that troops made contact with the terrorists in a separate offensive axis around the Malkube area, recovering additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices, while neutralizing two terrorists without sustaining any casualties.
Furthermore, another Battle Group from Sector 1 engaged Boko Haram elements attempting to infiltrate from Cameroon near Galakura into Nigeria, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. The successful operation is a significant blow to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has been ongoing in the region for over a decade. The Nigerian military has been conducting operations to combat the group, and this latest development is a testament to their efforts to restore peace and security in the area.
The operation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the region. The group’s use of IEDs and ambush tactics has been a major concern for the military, and the successful neutralization of the two high-ranking commanders is a significant setback for the insurgents. The Nigerian military’s ability to respond effectively to these threats is crucial in the fight against terrorism in the region.
