Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) top commander, known as JULAIBIB, during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The ISWAP commander, said to be operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was killed on Friday, January 30, following an intelligence-driven operation.
In a statement on Saturday, the Media Officer of Operation Hadi Kai, Lieutenant General Sani Uba, said other high-value terrorist targets were also neutralised while troops disrupted insurgent activities and foiled criminal operations.
“Further intelligence revealed that the elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. This impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” Uba said.
He said the troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between the Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state, following credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area.
According to Uba: “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.
“Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the Theatre.”
The Media Officer said that prior to the killing of the three terrorists, on January 29, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area came in contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
According to him, the ambush team engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw, and neutralizing one terrorist, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops.
“Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene,” he said.
Uba said the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, while “Operation Hadi Kai remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with local communities and security critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.”