Nigerian Troops Neutralize Scores of Bandits in North East, Recover Arms and Ammunition

Nigerian troops, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba of the Joint Task Force North East, successfully neutralized scores of bandits in the North East region. The operation, known as Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), targeted bandits across the North East.

During the operation, a top ISWAP commander named Julaibib was confirmed killed in the Gujba-Axi-Timbuktu triangle in Borno State on January 30, 2026. The troops also eliminated several ISWAP fighters, causing others to flee with gunshot injuries.

Additionally, three terrorists were neutralized during coordinated ambushes in Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. In a separate incident in Adamawa State on January 29, 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call in Barama community, foiling an armed robbery attempt and arresting two suspects.

The suspects, armed with weapons including cutlasses and laptops, were apprehended and handed over to the Nigerian police for further investigation.