In a breakthrough for the Joint Task Force North-East, “Operation Hadin Kai,” the Nigerian Army has successfully neutralized eight terrorists during an intensive clearance operation in the Sambisa Forest region of Borno State today, Monday, 12 January 2026.
The operation, which targeted a notorious enclave in the Gwoza-Bama axis, also led to the surrender of 11 insurgents, including three low-level commanders, who laid down their arms and turned themselves in to the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.
Following a tip-off from military intelligence, troops launched a coordinated strike on a suspected hideout where terrorists were planning to intercept farmers and charcoal producers near the Maiwa bush.
Eight terrorists were confirmed killed in the resulting gun duel. A significant cache of arms was seized, including, 7 AK-47 Rifles; 4 locally fabricated guns; 118 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 2 hand grenades
Among the 11 individuals who surrendered were two wives and five children of the combatants. The men handed over an additional three functional rifles as a sign of their withdrawal from the insurgency.
While the military continues to record gains, the region remains highly volatile. The surrender today adds to a growing wave of defections as internal friction between Boko Haram and ISWAP intensifies.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, commended the troops for their “unwavering resolve” and urged the remaining insurgents in the Lake Chad basin to take advantage of the safe corridor and surrender before the “dry season offensive” reaches its peak.
“We are seeing a trend where the terrorists are exhausted by our persistent pressure on their logistics. The surrender of 11 more fighters with their weapons shows that the message of peace is reaching the enclaves. However, for those who choose the path of violence, there will be no respite.” – Major General Edward Buba.
Despite these gains, the humanitarian situation remains precarious. Earlier today, reports emerged from HumAngle that a separate group of terrorists executed five internally displaced persons (IDPs) after their families were unable to raise a ₦7 million ransom. The Nigerian Army has vowed to track down the perpetrators of this “dastardly act” in the Marte local government area.
