Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, with help from the Nigerian Air Force, have killed a key Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Malam Jidda, in a fresh military operation carried out in Ngazalgana, a community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the news in a statement released on Monday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, who serves as the Acting Deputy Director for Army Public Relations under the Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI.
According to him, the terrorist leader—known as the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages—was eliminated alongside several fighters during a joint ground and air assault on June 9, 2025.
In the operation, troops came face-to-face with the armed group in Ngazalgana. The soldiers, who had stronger firepower, successfully defeated the terrorists. Malam Jidda was killed during the exchange, while others escaped with serious injuries. In a different encounter inside the Timbuktu Triangle, another group of insurgents was ambushed and killed in a separate gun battle.
Troops also carried out clearance operations in Mallamfatori, a town located in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. That area has recently seen heavy fighting, which led to the deaths of many insurgents. The follow-up operation led to the discovery of more bodies and the recovery of several weapons and equipment.
Recovered items include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, motorcycles, hand grenades, several rounds of ammunition, handheld radios, and other military supplies.
Captain Kovangiya noted that the renewed attacks show that the fight against insurgency is progressing well. He also stated that the combined forces of the army and air support are focused on bringing lasting peace to Nigeria’s North-East.
“The troops remain committed to achieving their operational objectives—completely defeating Boko Haram/ISWAP and restoring peace and security in the North-East region,” the statement said.
