By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the discovery and destruction of notorious Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) detention facilities deep inside the forested Timbuktu Triangle in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The successful operation, carried out over the past two weeks, represents a significant push into areas previously regarded as terrorist strongholds and further underscores the increasing effectiveness, reach and sustainability of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the offensive was executed under Operation DESERT SANITY V and followed sustained intelligence-led manoeuvres and continuous offensive pressure that compelled terrorist elements to abandon critical facilities within their inner sanctuaries.
He explained that the exposure and destruction of the facilities demonstrate that troops of OPHK have advanced well into ISWAP’s core areas, denying the group both physical space and psychological advantage.
From 21 January 2026 to date, troops uncovered and destroyed three major terrorist detention facilities concealed within the expansive Timbuktu Triangle forest, which spans parts of Borno and Yobe States. Preliminary assessments revealed that the camps had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, highlighting their strategic importance to ISWAP’s operational and coercive structure.
Further findings indicated that the sustained offensive actions by troops directly led to the escape of more than 70 captives who had been held by the terrorists. Many of the escapees later resurfaced in communities such as Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau, among others, confirming the impact of the operation.
One of the freed captives, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, who was abducted on 22 December 2025, disclosed that he escaped during a gun battle between the terrorists and advancing troops inside the Timbuktu Triangle.
During the series of engagements, ISWAP suffered heavy combat losses, with no fewer than 32 terrorists neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others sustained serious injuries during fierce encounters with troops.
Following thorough clearance operations, the three detention facilities were deliberately demolished to permanently deny the terrorists the opportunity to reuse or reoccupy the sites. The operation was conducted successfully and without incident, reflecting the professionalism, discipline, resilience and combat effectiveness of troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Military authorities noted that the destruction of the detention camps represents more than a tactical success. It significantly degrades ISWAP’s internal enforcement mechanisms, disrupts its ability to detain civilians and extort ransom, and further restricts the group’s freedom of action.
The mass escape of detainees not only deprives the terrorists of an important source of funding, but also weakens their control over local populations, while potentially providing valuable intelligence that can support ongoing and future operations.
While the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, troops’ morale and fighting efficiency are reported to be high. The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, denying them safe havens and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
