Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully taken down numerous Boko Haram/Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during a significant week-long offensive in the northeastern part of Borno State.
The operation, known as Operation Desert Sanity III, kicked off on January 7, 2024, resulting in the clearance and destruction of over 25 terrorist camps in the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.
Intelligence sources revealed that the 21 Armored Brigade engaged terrorists in Ukuba, Sambisa, neutralizing 11 ISWAP fighters and causing the rest to scatter. The clash led to the destruction of a gun truck loaded with ammunition.
The recovered items included an anti-aircraft gun, a rocket-propelled grenade tube, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), two RPG chargers, five AK-47 rifles, a terrorist flag, two pickup vans, and a grinding machine mill.
The offensive continued deeper into the Sambisa Forest, clearing areas like Garin Abu Umaru, New/Old Mjimia, Garin Munzo, Alafa 1, and Alafa 2. An alleged Amir of Garin Munzo and five other fighters were intercepted and neutralized. Newly established camps were discovered and destroyed.
The troops displayed bravery in dislodging terrorists from various locations, including New Goske, Garin Abbas, Garin Ba’aba, Korege, Arra, Garin Abu Amina, Garin Noma, Garin Malam Ma’azu, and many others.
However, a patrol team triggered an IED near Alagarno, causing damage to an armored personnel carrier.
Simultaneously, the 26 Task Force Brigade cleared Boko Haram enclaves in Amadaga Madachi and Amadaga villages in Gwoza LGA. The terrorists fled upon the troops’ advance.
In another encounter, the 159 Battalion and 199 Special Forces Battalion, along with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cleared terrorist enclaves without making contact.
In Yobe State, the 27 Task Force Brigade advanced, cleared Gol, and safely detonated one IED.
The terrorists abandoned 67 bags of assorted grains and ammunition. Additionally, troops ambushed and neutralized two ISWAP terrorists at Katarko, recovering two AK-47 rifles.
The 29 Task Force Brigade faced challenges like difficult terrain and IED threats but maintained momentum.
They cleared Galengi and Dusuri, engaging in a gunfight near Tobolo, killing two terrorists. Arimarim and Koborori villages were also cleared, and a terrorist camp was set ablaze.
Despite challenges, the troops remain determined to pursue and decimate fleeing terrorists in the Sambisa Forest.
Key ISWAP commanders, including Abu Aisha (Khaid) and four assistant commanders (Munzir) – Bako, Mallam Abubakar, Abu Ibrahim, and Hanzala – are on the run, but the troops are resolute in their pursuit.
