Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational victories against terrorists, destroying several camps, recovering arms and logistics, and repelling coordinated attacks in the volatile Timbuktu Triangle.
The successes were achieved under Operation DESERT SANITY, an ongoing offensive aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist enclaves in the North-East. According to the military, the latest operations were conducted on Sunday, 18 January 2026, following deliberate and intelligence-driven advances by ground forces from their harbour areas.
The troops targeted key terrorist strongholds in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma, with robust support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) provided by the air assets enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred reinforcements and enhanced the effectiveness of ground operations.
During the clearance operations, troops recovered items of significant military and logistical value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, AK-47 magazines, assorted 7.62mm ammunition, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108mm ammunition, a pick-up truck, diesel-powered grinding machines, medical supplies and large quantities of grains.
Also uncovered were underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) dump, further degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents.
The military disclosed that the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks around midday. Despite the challenge, the soldiers sustained the offensive with determination. A second attack attempt later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming the troops’ dominance of the area.
The Joint Task Force noted that troops’ morale remains high, with fighting efficiency sustained despite the engagements. While the general security situation in the area is described as calm, it remains unpredictable, prompting troops to maintain heightened vigilance and readiness.
Reaffirming the resolve of the Armed Forces, the Military High Command stated that operations would continue relentlessly until terrorist threats are eliminated, civilians are protected, and lasting peace and stability are restored to the North-East.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on 19 January 2026.
