RismadarVoice Reporters
January 19, 2026
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a Boko Haram drone-coordinated attack, recovered terrorists’ flags, emblems and other military equipment in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Sunday when troops, operating under Operation Desert Sanity, advanced from their harbour area to conduct deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded further operational successes in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks by insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement said.
Sani explained that the operation was supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across the axis.
“The air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations,” he added.
During the operation, troops recovered several items, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62×39mm special ammunition, and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition.
Other recovered items included several Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities, and a Petroleum and Oil Lubricant (POL) dump.
The statement noted that the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by terrorists around midday. Despite the attack, the troops reportedly maintained momentum and continued the offensive.
“A second attempt by the terrorists in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing them to withdraw and reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area,” Sani said.
He added that troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, while operational efficiency continues to be maintained.
“The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” he said.
Sani further stated that the military high command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operations until terrorist threats are eliminated and lasting peace and stability are restored in the North East.
