Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a key Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Malam Jidda, along with several of his fighters, in a joint air and ground assault in Yobe and Borno States.
The operation took place on June 9 in the Ngazalgana area of Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe, and the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Theatre Command.
Jidda, identified as the Ameer (leader) of Ngorgore and Malumti villages, was reportedly killed during a fierce battle in which troops overpowered the terrorists with superior firepower.
Some insurgents were killed during a follow-up ambush in the Timbuktu Triangle, while others fled with injuries, the statement added. Further clearance operations in the Mallamfatori area of Abadam Local Government Area led to the discovery of more terrorist bodies and the recovery of weapons.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, hand grenades, motorcycles, magazines, large quantities of ammunition, radios, and other supplies.
Capt. Kovangiya noted that the success of the operation underscores the growing effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by coordinated air strikes.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents and restoring lasting peace in the North-East.