The Nigerian Army has intensified its fight against terrorism in the North East, killing a top commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a special operation in Yobe State.
Military sources confirmed on Tuesday that troops successfully neutralised Malam Jidda, a notorious ISWAP commander who served as the “Ameer” (leader) of the terrorist group in Ngorgore and Malumti villages. The operation took place in Ngazalgana village, located in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to security reports, troops recovered significant weapons from the operation, including AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists for movement in the bush terrain.
“The neutralisation of Malam Jidda is a major blow to the ISWAP command structure in the area,” a military source told reporters. “It shows the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led offensives.”
In a related operation around the notorious Timbuktu Triangle — a rugged region straddling the borders of Yobe and Borno states — troops on a snap ambush mission encountered ISWAP fighters in a brief but intense clash.
The encounter resulted in the killing of several terrorists. Troops also recovered multiple AK-47 rifles and military-grade explosives believed to have been stockpiled for planned attacks on soft targets.
Another military success was recorded in the Abadam area of northern Borno State. Following a recent gun battle in Mallamfatori, troops carried out exploitation activities to mop up remnants of the fleeing insurgents.
During the sweep, several bodies of terrorists were found alongside an assortment of weapons, indicating the scale of casualties inflicted on the group during the earlier confrontation.
“The terrorists abandoned their weapons and fled in disarray following the counterattack. Our troops are still pursuing them through their escape routes,” the source added.
These coordinated operations are part of the broader counterinsurgency mission by the Nigerian Armed Forces aimed at dislodging terrorist groups from their strongholds and restoring peace in areas long plagued by insecurity.
The North East region — particularly Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states — has been the epicentre of insurgent violence for over a decade, with Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, responsible for thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
In recent months, the Nigerian military has intensified ground and aerial offensives to weaken terrorist networks and dismantle their supply chains.
Military authorities have pledged to sustain the momentum until all enclaves are cleared and residents can return safely to their homes.
“These operations reflect the Army’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty of the country and ensuring lasting peace in the North East,” said another officer familiar with the strategy.
As the dry season allows for easier movement of troops in remote areas, the Nigerian military appears to be stepping up its tempo against insurgent groups — a development many in the region hope will bring much-needed relief and security.
