Troops of Operation Hadin Kai on Thursday foiled a Boko Haram ambush, neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders, Basulhu and Ubaida, along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis in Borno State.
The terrorists had attempted the ambush using roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire, but the military responded with superior firepower.
Confirming the development, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, said troops under Sector 1 reacted decisively.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V delivered a decisive blow to BH/ISWAP terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis on 22 January 2026.
“The insurgents attempted a well-planned ambush with Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIED) and heavy gunfire, but impressively, troops under Sector 1 responded with superior firepower, neutralising 10 terrorists, including 2 senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida,” he noted.
Lt Col Uba added that the follow-up pursuit and post-attack exploitation led to the recovery of: 3 AK-47 rifles, 1 pump-action rifle, 5 motorcycles, 2 hand grenades, 2 Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, 1 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) charger and Detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other IED accessories
“Troops of Sector 1 OPHK further made contact around the Malkube area, recovering additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices, while 2 terrorists were neutralised without casualties to personnel.”
Earlier in the day, another Battle Group from Sector 1 engaged BHT/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate from Cameroon near Galakura, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
“Exploitation of the area yielded insurgent equipment and supplies, including 2 motorcycles, further denying the terrorists freedom of action,” Uba said.
He also highlighted the morale of troops:
“Troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, and operations would be sustained across the entire North East region,” the statement assured.
According to Lt Col Uba, the military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to maintain the operational tempo.
Earlier reports by PUNCH Online indicated that troops of Operation Hadin Kai clashed with fleeing terrorists in Borno, resulting in unspecified casualties on both sides. The encounter followed clearance operations across Tergejeri, Chiralia, and Ajigin/Abirma.
“In the latest phase of operations, troops successfully cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas,” Uba said.
“During the conduct of the operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with high volumes of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.”
He further described an incident on 20 January 2026 involving Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs):
“On 20 January 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED). Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised. The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms.
“In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries,” he said.