By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes in the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, destroying several terrorist camps, recovering arms and logistics, and repelling coordinated attacks by insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, 18 January 2026, by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops advanced from their harbour areas to conduct deliberate, intelligence-led operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
The operation was supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over the area of operation. The effective air-to-ground coordination enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred enemy reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and effectiveness of ground troops.
During the clearance operations, troops recovered several items of military and logistical value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, quantities of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large cache of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities, and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) dump. These recoveries, the statement noted, significantly degraded the operational and logistical capabilities of the terrorists.
At about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks launched by the terrorists. Despite the attack, the troops maintained their operational momentum and continued the offensive. A second drone attack attempt in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the insurgents to withdraw and further reaffirming the troops’ dominance of the area.
The statement added that despite sustained engagements, troop morale remains high and fighting efficiency continues to be maintained. While the general security situation in the area is assessed as calm, it remains unpredictable, with troops on high alert and maintaining a heightened state of readiness.
The Military High Command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the ongoing operations, stressing that troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability in the North East.
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