Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a Boko Haram drone-coordinated attack and recovered terrorists’ flags, arms and logistics in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Northeast, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Monday.
He said the troops came under attack while advancing after conducting deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the operations were carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY and led to the destruction of multiple terrorist camps, recovery of arms and equipment, and the successful repelling of coordinated insurgent attacks.
“On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour area and conducted deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma,” the statement read.
The operation was supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage.
“The air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations,” Sani said.
Items recovered during the operation included Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, medical supplies, bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage, and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) dump.
Sani said the troops came under armed drone attacks at about midday but maintained momentum and continued the offensive. A second attack attempt in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
He added that troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, noting that the security situation in the area is calm but unpredictable, with troops on high alert.
The Military High Command reaffirmed that operations would continue until terrorist threats are eliminated and lasting peace and stability are restored in the North East.
