Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated a high-profile ISWAP terrorist commander, Malam Jidda, along with numerous fighters during a coordinated air and ground assault across Yobe and Borno states.
The operation, which began on June 9 in the Ngazalgana area of Gujba Local Government Area in Yobe, was supported by precision airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the offensive successfully dismantled enemy positions in both Gujba and the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
Malam Jidda, identified as the Ameer (leader) of the Ngorgore and Malumti villages, was killed in a fierce exchange of fire after troops overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower.
“Some terrorists fled with gunshot wounds, while many others were neutralised during a follow-up ambush operation in the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement read.
Further clearance operations in the Mallamfatori general area of Abadam LGA led to the discovery of additional terrorist corpses and the recovery of an arsenal of weapons and logistics.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, ammunition, hand grenades, communication radios, and other supplies.
The army said that the latest offensive demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency measures under Operation Hadin Kai, backed by precise and timely air support.
Capt. Kovangiya reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents and restoring peace in the North-East region.