SAA event in Nigeria on Thu 22nd January 2026

TROOPS OF  OPERATIO HADIN KAI  RECORD MAJOR SUCCESS AGAINST BH/ISWAP TERRORISTS IN SAMBISA, MANDARA MOUNTAINS

Troops of  the Joint Task Force (North East) 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. 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.

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. 

 SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
22 January 2026