Army Eliminates ISWAP Commander Julaibib, Foils Terror Attacks in North East
The Nigerian Army has announced a major victory in the fight against insurgency, confirming the killing of Julaibib, a notorious commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a military operation in Borno State.
In a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the military revealed that the terrorist leader was neutralized on January 30, 2026, during an encounter around Kimba in the Damboa Local Government Area.
Julaibib, who operated within the volatile Gujba axis of the “Timbuktu Triangle,” was a high-value target for security forces.
“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,” the statement read.
Beyond the elimination of the commander, troops recorded successes in other coordinated operations across the region.
Working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), soldiers ambushed terrorists between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State, killing three insurgents and recovering two AK-47 rifles.
In a separate engagement on January 29 at Tsokorok in Gwoza LGA, troops repelled a BH/ISWAP attack, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering two motorcycles without suffering any casualties.
The operations extended to neighboring Adamawa State, where troops responded to a distress call from the Barama community in Mubi North LGA.
They successfully foiled an armed robbery attempt targeting a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
Two suspects were arrested, one of whom was treated for gunshot wounds at the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi. Items recovered included laptops, mobile phones, and cutlasses.
Additionally, on January 28, a joint patrol team of troops and local vigilantes in Hong LGA engaged terrorists along the Amtasa–Washim axis.
The superior firepower of the security forces forced the insurgents to flee, leading to the rescue of an abducted woman. The team recovered an AK-47 rifle, an SMG rifle, and a cache of ammunition.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and economic stability to the North East, assuring residents that the general security situation remains stable.
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