By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational successes in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, clearing several Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist camps and thwarting coordinated attacks by the insurgents.

The latest achievements form part of the ongoing dry season offensive, Operation DESERT SANITY, aimed at degrading terrorist strongholds and restoring security across the North East.

Military sources disclosed that scores of terrorists were neutralised during the operations, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds as troops overran their enclaves.

The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday.

According to him, troops advanced from their harbour areas on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to conduct deliberate, intelligence-led clearance operations across identified terrorist hideouts in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.

He said the operation was effectively supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, enabling real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterring reinforcements and enhancing the precision of ground troops.

During the operation, troops recovered several items of military and logistics value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62×39mm special ammunition, 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) dump.

Lt. Col. Uba further revealed that the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists around midday. Despite the attack, the troops maintained their momentum and sustained the offensive. A second drone attack attempt later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.

He noted that troop morale remained high despite sustained engagements, while fighting efficiency continued to be maintained. Although the general security situation in the area was described as calm, he said it remained unpredictable, with troops on high alert.

“The Military High Command has reaffirmed that these operations will continue, as troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East,” Uba said.