Odita Sunday 
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) recorded a major victory against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis, sending a strong signal that insurgents can no longer operate with impunity in Nigeria’s North East.
According to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, at about 0930 hours on 22 January 2026, insurgents attempted a coordinated ambush using Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire.
The attack, however, was decisively repelled by troops under Sector 1, who responded with superior firepower.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
Troops also recovered an impressive arsenal comprising three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and IED accessories.
On a separate offensive axis in the Malkube area, Sector 1 troops continued their momentum, neutralizing two more terrorists without sustaining any casualties. Additional insurgent weapons and communication devices were recovered, further disrupting enemy networks.
Earlier in the day, OPHK troops engaged BHT/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon near Galakura, forcing them to retreat in disarray. Recoveries included two motorcycles and assorted supplies, denying terrorists the freedom to regroup or launch new attacks.
The Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) commended the troops for their discipline, vigilance, and operational efficiency, highlighting that morale remains high and readiness across all sectors of the North East is at its peak.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that continuous intelligence-driven operations have rendered the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains increasingly hostile to insurgent activities, ensuring safer conditions for local communities.
He further stated, “Our troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists, denying them safe havens, and restoring peace and normalcy to affected communities.”
The Nigerian military reaffirmed its pledge to protect lives and property while pursuing terrorists across all operational axes in the North East, ensuring that insurgency does not disrupt daily life or hinder socio-economic development.
Communities around the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains have reportedly welcomed the successful operations, describing the military’s intervention as timely and morale-boosting. Local leaders called on the government to continue supporting troops with modern equipment and intelligence resources.
As Operation HADIN KAI presses forward, the Nigerian military vows unrelenting operations, signaling that terrorist networks face increasingly constrained operational space, and their ability to threaten national security is steadily diminishing
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