By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements, recording major successes in coordinated ground and air assaults across key locations in Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, involving troops of Sector 2 in the Azir Bridge (Timbuktu axis) and the Bulabulin Forest areas, with close air support from the Air Component Command.
According to the statement, on the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops in collaboration with elements of the Stabilisation Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force cleared several terrorist enclaves, including Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Shuwari, as well as adjoining areas along the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists at Malam Shiri Village and engaged them in a coordinated flanking manoeuvre. Eleven terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Troops also destroyed terrorist life-support structures and recovered nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used for improvised explosive devices.
In a separate engagement along the Timbuktu axis, specifically the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor, troops again confronted terrorist elements with the support of the Air Component. The troops held their ground and successfully repelled the attackers.
Subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed the neutralisation of seven terrorists, while traces of blood and body parts suggested additional casualties among the fleeing insurgents. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, large quantities of ammunition, bandoliers, and communication equipment.
The statement highlighted the critical role played by the Air Component Command, which provided continuous Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance support, enabling precise targeting and real-time coordination. Air strikes were also carried out on confirmed terrorist positions and retreating fighters, further weakening their operational capability.
Meanwhile, troops, alongside volunteer forces, have launched follow-up clearance operations in the Forfor, Multe, and Wajiroko areas to consolidate gains and prevent regrouping by fleeing terrorists.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their courage and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North East region.
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