Nigerian troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have recorded major successes against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during fresh combat operations in the Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains.
The operations were carried out on January 22, 2026, by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, the military task force responsible for counter-insurgency efforts in the region. The army said several terrorists were killed, including senior commanders, while large quantities of weapons and supplies were recovered.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the troops were operating under “Operation DESERT SANITY V,” an ongoing military campaign aimed at clearing remaining terrorist enclaves and restoring peace to affected communities in Borno State and surrounding areas.
The statement said Sector 1 troops successfully foiled a planned ambush by terrorists in the Sambisa axis. The terrorists had planted roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and opened heavy gunfire in an attempt to attack advancing troops.
“During the encounter, troops neutralised 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida,” the statement said.
The military described the operation as a major breakthrough, noting that the killing of senior commanders would weaken the operational strength of the terrorist group in the area.
Following the clash, troops carried out follow-up operations to search the area. During this process, several weapons, ammunition, and logistics items belonging to the terrorists were recovered.
In a separate operation around Malkube, another unit of Operation HADIN KAI engaged terrorists in a fierce gun battle. The troops killed two terrorists during the encounter and recovered arms, ammunition, and communication equipment.
The army said no casualties were recorded among the troops in the Malkube operation, describing it as a clean and successful mission.
In another development, troops intercepted terrorists attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory from neighbouring Cameroon near Galakura, a border community in Borno State. The terrorists were forced to retreat after coming under heavy fire from Nigerian forces.
While fleeing, the terrorists abandoned motorcycles and supplies, which were later recovered by the troops. Military sources said the interception prevented a possible attack on nearby communities.
The Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains have long served as hideouts for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters due to their difficult terrain and proximity to international borders. Over the years, the Nigerian military has carried out several operations to dislodge insurgents from these areas.
Operation HADIN KAI, which replaced Operation Lafiya Dole, was launched to intensify military pressure on terrorist groups, improve coordination among security agencies, and protect civilians in the North-East.
The latest successes come amid reports of renewed fighting among terrorist factions themselves. In an earlier incident, dozens of terrorists were reportedly killed during violent clashes between ISWAP fighters and members of the Bukura faction loyal to a commander known as Abu Umaima.
According to sources, the clash occurred earlier in the week along the Lake Chad Basin axis of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The fighting is believed to be linked to internal power struggles, control of territory, and access to resources.
Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009 and has since claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people, and destroyed communities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The violence has also affected neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Although the military has recorded significant gains in recent years, pockets of insurgents still operate in remote areas, carrying out attacks on military targets, farmers, and travellers.
The Nigerian military says it remains committed to ending the insurgency and restoring normal life to affected communities. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said the recent operations showed the determination of troops to deny terrorists freedom of movement and safe havens.
He added that the recovered weapons and equipment would help security agencies gather intelligence on terrorist networks and planned attacks.
Residents of communities around Sambisa and Mandara Mountains have welcomed the news, expressing hope that sustained military action would allow displaced persons to return home safely.
As operations continue under Operation DESERT SANITY V, the military has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.