Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V delivered a decisive blow to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis on January 22, 2026, the Nigerian Army said in a statement.
OPHK Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said that “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, neutralizing 10 terrorists including 2 senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
“Follow-up pursuit and exploitation led to the recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, 5 motorcycles, 2 hand grenades, 2 Baofeng radios, 12 x AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries,bandoliers, camel bags as well as iron bars and IED accessories.”
The statement noted that “on a seperate offensive axis, 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 neutralized 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 into Nigeria, 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.
“Troops morale and combat efficiency remain high and operations would be sustained across the entire North East region.
“Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.”
