By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements under Operation DESERT SANITY V, recording major battlefield successes across multiple fronts in Borno State, with coordinated air–ground assaults dismantling key insurgent enclaves.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the recent operations were executed through two separate but closely coordinated engagements involving troops of Sector 2 along the Azir Bridge in the Timbuktu axis and deep within the Bulabulin Forest, in synergy with the Air Component Command of OPHK.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that on the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops of Sector 2, working in conjunction with elements of the Sector 2 Stabilisation Force Brigade and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a sweeping clearance operation targeting entrenched terrorist enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti and Yaro Shuwari, as well as other adjoining settlements within the Bulabulin Forest corridor and the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.
He explained that during the offensive, troops, supported by assault air platforms, made contact with terrorists at Malam Shiri Village, where they executed a well-coordinated flanking manoeuvre that overwhelmed the insurgents. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of 11 terrorists, while several others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.
The statement further noted that all identified life-support structures used by the terrorists were systematically destroyed, while follow-up exploitation operations led to the recovery of nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), significantly degrading the logistics network and operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
In a related development, troops operating along the Timbuktu axis, specifically within the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor, engaged terrorist elements in another fierce confrontation, also backed by close air support from the OPHK Air Component. The troops maintained tactical superiority and combat discipline, decisively repelling the terrorists and holding their ground.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba revealed that subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed the neutralisation of seven terrorists, while traces of blood and dismembered body parts suggested additional casualties inflicted on the fleeing insurgents. Recovered items from the scene included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, large quantities of ammunition, bandoliers, and communication equipment.
He emphasised that the Air Component Command of OPHK played a decisive role in both operations by providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), which enabled accurate target acquisition and enhanced situational awareness for ground forces. Precision air interdiction strikes were also conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and retreating elements, further decimating the insurgents and ensuring the success of the coordinated offensive.
The statement added that troops, in collaboration with volunteer forces, are currently conducting aggressive follow-up operations across the Forfor, Multe and Wajiroko axes to consolidate territorial gains, pursue fleeing terrorists, and prevent any attempts at regrouping.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that the successful operations underscore the growing combat effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI and reaffirm the military’s sustained dominance across the North East theatre, as efforts continue to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to the region.
