Nigerian Troops Thwart Boko Haram Ambush, Eliminate Senior Commanders in Borno State
In a decisive military engagement, Nigerian troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a Boko Haram ambush along the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis in Borno State. The operation, which took place on January 22, 2026, resulted in the neutralization of ten terrorists, including two high-ranking commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
How the Ambush Was Foiled
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, the terrorists attempted a well-coordinated ambush using Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire as part of Operation Desert Sanity V. Troops from Sector 1 responded with superior firepower, effectively countering the attack and inflicting significant casualties on the insurgent group.
Weapons and Equipment Recovered
Following the initial engagement, pursuit and exploitation operations led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and logistics items used by the terrorists. The recovered items include:
- Three AK-47 rifles and one pump-action rifle
- Five motorcycles and two hand grenades
- Two Baofeng radios and 12 AK-47 magazines
- A Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, and batteries
- Bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other IED accessories
Additional contact around the Malkube area resulted in the recovery of more AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices, with two more terrorists neutralized and no casualties among military personnel.
Cameroon Infiltration Attempt Foiled
In a related development, another battle group from Sector 1 engaged Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon near Galakura. The terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray, and additional motorcycles and equipment were seized, further restricting their operational mobility.
Update on Recent Setback in Timbuktu Triangle
The military spokesman also addressed a recent setback during clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, where troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). While one VBIED was neutralized, the second breached defensive positions, resulting in casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Despite this, morale remains high, and operations continue to dominate key terrorist locations such as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
Mass Graves Uncovered
Troops have uncovered mass graves containing the bodies of approximately twenty terrorists killed in recent encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle area, highlighting the scale of casualties suffered by terrorist groups in the region.
The military high command has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to maintain the operational tempo against terrorist groups across the North-East region.
