Troops Neutralise Two Boko Haram Commanders, 10 Others In Sambisa, Mandara Mountains

In what is described as a renewed fight under Desert Sanity V, the troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai said they have neutralised two high-profile Boko Haram commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, as well as eight other fighters along the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.

The Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col Sani Uba, in a press statement, explained that the operation took place in the early hours of Thursday after the terrorists attempted to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the areas.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V delivered a decisive blow to BH/ISWAP terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis on 22 January 2026. At around 0930 hours, insurgents attempted a well-planned ambush with Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIED) and heavy gunfire.

“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 reads in part.

According to Lt. Col. Uba, three AK-47 rifles, one pump action rifle, five motorcycles, 12 x AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Charger, among others, were recovered during the operation.

The troops of sector 1, according to the statement, also made contact around the Malkube area in a separate offensive axis, recovering additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices, while 2 terrorists were neutralized without casualties to personnel.

“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.”

According to the statement, the exploitation of the area yielded insurgent equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, further denying the terrorists freedom of action.