Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid
In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai recorded a significant victory against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. During Operation Desert Sanity V, ground troops reportedly repelled an ambush, resulting in the death of 10 terrorists. Two high-ranking commanders, identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, were among those neutralized.
The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, communication gadgets, and logistics supplies. Military sources said the encounter at Malkube was particularly intense, but that the troops suffered no casualties. The offensive is part of a renewed dry-season push to eliminate the remnants of terror cells attempting to regroup along the border with Cameroon.
Further reporting from The Punch confirmed the military’s success, quoting a spokesperson who said forces are maintaining a high tempo to ensure no safe haven remains for insurgent elements. Leadership newspaper also validated the report, adding that civilian intelligence played a key role in tracking the movements of the neutralized commanders.
Echotitbits take: Eliminating top-tier commanders is a major blow to insurgents’ command-and-control structures. Beyond battlefield wins, the next challenge is holding territory long enough for displaced residents to return safely. Expect increased border patrols to prevent fighters from slipping into neighboring countries.
Source: Zagozola — https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/troops-neutralise-two-terrorists-recover-arms-in-sambisa-forest (2026-01-23)
Photo Credit: Zagozola 2026-01-23
