Nigerian troops eliminate top terrorist targets in Borno state
The military said the killing of Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander, was a major blow to the group's operations in northeastern Nigeria.
Nigerian troops have recorded major operational successes across the northeastern region, neutralising high-value terrorist targets, disrupting insurgent activities and foiling criminal operations.
In a statement, the military said intelligence had confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
The terrorist commander was eliminated on Friday during an encounter in Kimba, Damboa local government area of Borno State, the statement by Lt. Col. Sani Uba said.
Further intelligence revealed that the elimination of Julaibib threw ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation.
“This significant development represents a major blow to the command-and-control structure of ISWAP in the region,” the statement read.
In a related development, Uba disclosed that troops engaged in Operation Hadin Kai, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.
He explained that the operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area.
“Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene,” he said.
The operation, according to him, forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the theatre.