By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes under Operation DESERT SANITY, clearing multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and logistics, and decisively thwarting coordinated attacks by insurgents within the Timbuktu Triangle.
The development was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. According to the statement, on Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour area and conducted deliberate, intelligence-led operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
The operation was conducted with strong support from the Air Component of OPHK, which provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage across the axis. The effective air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred enemy reinforcement, and enhanced the precision, confidence and tempo of the ground advance.
During the clearance operations, troops recovered items of military and logistical significance, including Baofeng radios and mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies and bags of grains. Also uncovered were a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum and Oil Lubricant dump, all of which further degraded the terrorists’ operational and sustainment capabilities.
The statement further revealed that at about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks launched by the terrorists. Despite the threat, the troops maintained their momentum and continued the offensive. A second attempt by the terrorists in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the insurgents to withdraw and reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area.
Despite sustained engagements, the morale of the troops remains high, with fighting efficiency maintained throughout the operations. While the general security situation in the area is assessed as calm, it remains unpredictable, prompting troops to stay vigilant and at a high state of readiness.
The Military High Command has reaffirmed that the operations will continue, as troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.
