Troops Record Major Success Against BH/ISWAP Terrorists in Sambisa, Mandara Mountains
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have recorded significant operational successes against Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists along the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis.
The encounter occurred on January 22, 2026, when terrorists attempted a well-coordinated ambush on troops using roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire. However, troops of Sector 1 OPHK responded swiftly with superior firepower, decisively neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough pursuit and exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition and logistics. Items recovered included three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, as well as iron bars and other IED-making accessories.
In a separate but related operation on another axis, troops of Sector 1 OPHK made further contact with terrorists around the Malkube area, neutralising two insurgents without any casualties to own troops. Additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication devices were recovered during the operation.
Earlier in the day, another Battle Group under Sector 1 engaged BH/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon through the Galakura axis. The terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray, while exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of insurgent equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, further denying the terrorists freedom of action.
Troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, and operations are being sustained across the entire North East region to maintain pressure on terrorist elements.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
