Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have achieved significant gains in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity, dismantling multiple terrorist camps, recovering weapons and equipment, and repelling coordinated insurgent attacks in the Timbuktu Triangle.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed in a press statement that intelligence-led operations targeted several key terrorist enclaves, resulting in major operational successes.
“On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour area and carried out deliberate operations across identified terrorist positions, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma,” the statement said.
Lt. Col. Uba added that the Air Component of OPHK provided continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), enabling real-time tracking of insurgent movements, deterring reinforcements, and improving the accuracy of ground offensives.
During the operations, troops recovered military-grade equipment, including Baofeng radios, AK-47 magazines, 7.62×39mm and 12.7×108mm ammunition, phones, and Boko Haram/ISWAP flags. Other items seized included diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, several bags of grains, pickup trucks, underground logistics stores, and petroleum products, all of which degraded the operational and logistical capacity of the terrorists.
Mediaplusng.com further notes that insurgents launched armed drone attacks at midday and again in the evening, but troops maintained their momentum and successfully repelled the assaults, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
Lt. Col. Uba emphasized that the Military High Command remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist networks, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace and stability in the Northeast.
The statement underscores that coordinated air and ground operations have enhanced the effectiveness of the JTF, demonstrating the Nigerian military’s resolve to eliminate insurgent threats and secure the region.
Troops are expected to continue intelligence-driven patrols and clearance operations, ensuring that recovered areas are secured and insurgent regrouping is prevented, reinforcing the JTF’s dominance in the conflict-affected zones.
