Dozens of Terrorists Killed as Nigerian Troops Bomb Sambisa and Mandara Mountains

At least 12 fighters operating under the auspices of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, recorded a major battlefield success during coordinated offensive operations across the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis.

According to PRNigeria report, the encounter occurred on January 22, 2026, under Operation DESERT SANITY V, when terrorists launched what military sources described as a well-planned ambush against advancing troops using roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire.

The online portal reports that troops of Sector 1 swiftly responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the insurgents and neutralising 10 fighters on the spot, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.

Quoting military sources, the newspaper said follow-up pursuit and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics.

Items recovered included three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng communication radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other improvised explosive device-making materials.
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In a related operation along a separate axis around the Malkube area, troops of Sector 1 made further contact with fleeing terrorists, neutralising two additional fighters without any casualties to own troops. Additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices were recovered during the exploitation of the area.

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Earlier the same day, another battle group under Sector 1 engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory from Cameroon near the Galakura axis.

“The terrorists were forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, further degrading their operational capability and freedom of movement,” a source told PRNigeria.

Military authorities said the series of encounters underscored the growing combat dominance of troops and the sustained pressure being applied on terrorist enclaves across the North East. Troop morale and combat efficiency, the military noted, remain high, with operations continuing across all sectors of the theatre.

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo until terrorist networks in the region are completely dismantled.

The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, provided the update in a statement today.

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