Nigerian Troops Achieve Major Victory Against Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have delivered a decisive blow to Boko Haram insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains region. The military announced the successful neutralization of two senior terrorist commanders alongside eight fighters during Operation Desert Sanity V, marking a substantial setback for the terrorist group's operational capabilities.
Decisive Response to Ambush Attempt
According to official statements from the Theatre Command, the operation unfolded in the early hours of Thursday when insurgents attempted to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in strategic locations. The Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, detailed how terrorists attempted a well-coordinated ambush using roadside IEDs and heavy gunfire around 0930 hours on January 22, 2026.
Troops from Sector 1 responded with overwhelming firepower, successfully neutralizing ten terrorists including two high-profile commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida. This swift and effective response prevented what could have been a devastating attack on military personnel and civilian infrastructure in the region.
Significant Weapons and Equipment Recovery
The military operation yielded substantial recoveries that will significantly degrade terrorist capabilities in the area. Following the initial engagement, troops conducted thorough pursuit and exploitation operations that resulted in the seizure of:
- Three AK-47 rifles and one pump-action rifle
- Five motorcycles used for terrorist mobility
- Two hand grenades and a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger
- Two Baofeng radios for communication
- Twelve AK-47 magazines with ammunition
- Various IED-making materials including detonation cords, batteries, and accessories
- Additional supplies including bandoliers, camel bags, and iron bars
Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that this operation has effectively denied terrorists freedom of movement and action in the Sambisa Forest axis, creating a more secure environment for local communities.
Multiple Front Engagements Yield Further Success
In a separate offensive action around the Malkube area, troops from Sector 1 made additional contact with terrorist elements. This engagement resulted in the neutralization of two more terrorists without any casualties recorded among Nigerian military personnel. The operation also led to the recovery of additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices.
Furthermore, military forces successfully repelled an infiltration attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements attempting to cross from Cameroon into Nigeria near Galakura. The Battle Group from Sector 1 engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and abandoning two motorcycles and other equipment during their retreat.
Discovery of Terrorist Mass Graves
In related developments, troops operating in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State have uncovered mass graves containing approximately twenty terrorist bodies. These discoveries occurred as military forces sustained offensive operations across volatile regions, revealing the substantial casualties terrorist groups have suffered during recent engagements with Nigerian troops.
According to military intelligence, these mass graves likely contain remains of terrorists killed during firefights with troops and subsequently buried by their fleeing colleagues. This discovery provides tangible evidence of the significant pressure being applied to terrorist networks across northeastern Nigeria.
The successful operations demonstrate the Nigerian military's continued commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring security to affected regions. The neutralization of senior commanders like Basulhu and Ubaida represents a strategic victory that will disrupt terrorist command structures and operational planning in the region.
