Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), known as Julaibib, alongside four other terrorists during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Julaibib, who was said to be operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was neutralised on Friday, January 30, during an intelligence-driven operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant General Sani Uba, said the operation also led to the elimination of other high-value terrorist targets, disruption of insurgent activities, and the foiling of criminal operations in the area.
According to him, intelligence reports indicated that the death of the ISWAP commander has thrown terrorist elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters neutralised during the encounter.
“This development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” Uba said.
He further disclosed that troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a coordinated ambush between the Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities, following credible intelligence on insurgent movements.
“Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries,” he said.
Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.
In a related operation on January 29, troops deployed at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an ambush.
Uba said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat and neutralising one fighter, with no casualties recorded on the side of the military. Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
The media officer noted that the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, adding that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working with local communities and relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North-East.
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