... Operation HADIN KAI Tightens Noose on Terrorists in Sambisa and Mandara Mountains
In a renewed show of force against terrorism in Nigeria’s North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant battlefield successes against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists across the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains corridor, a long-standing stronghold of insurgent activity.
The coordinated operations, carried out on Thursday, 22 January 2026, form part of the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V, a sustained military campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting supply routes, and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the region.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the decisive encounter unfolded at about 9:30 a.m. when terrorists attempted a carefully planned ambush on troops of Sector 1, employing Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIEDs) and heavy volumes of gunfire.
Rather than being deterred, the troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, overwhelming the attackers and neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida. The elimination of these commanders is considered a major setback to terrorist coordination and leadership within the axis.
Following the successful counter-ambush, troops pressed their advantage, conducting thorough pursuit and exploitation of the area. This led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and logistical items used by the terrorists to sustain their operations.
Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, twelve AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other improvised explosive device-making materials.
In a related offensive along another axis, Sector 1 troops made further contact with terrorists around the Malkube area, resulting in the neutralisation of two additional terrorists. More weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered during the engagement, which was executed without any casualty to own troops, underscoring the growing combat efficiency of the force.
Earlier in the day, another Battle Group from Sector 1 intercepted BH/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory from Cameroon near Galakura. The terrorists were engaged and forced to withdraw in disarray. Subsequent exploitation of the area yielded additional insurgent equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, further restricting the terrorists’ mobility and operational reach.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that troop morale remains high, with sustained offensive operations continuing across the entire North East theatre. He emphasised that the recent successes reflect improved intelligence-driven operations, inter-unit coordination, and the determination of troops to end terrorist violence in the region.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements until all remnants are decisively neutralised, assuring citizens that efforts remain firmly focused on restoring lasting peace, security, and stability to communities affected by years of insurgency.
