By Micah Jonah
January 19, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded further major operational successes in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity, with the destruction of multiple terrorist camps, recovery of arms and equipment, and successful repelling of coordinated attacks by insurgents within the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, it was disclosed that on Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour locations and carried out deliberate, intelligence led operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
The operation received strong support from the Air Component of OPHK, which provided continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage across the operational axis, enabling ground forces to effectively locate and dismantle terrorist hideouts.
During the clearance operations, troops recovered several critical items, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK 47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62 by 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 by 108mm ammunition, diesel powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum and Oil Lubricant dump.
Military authorities noted that the destruction of these camps and the recovery of logistics materials have significantly weakened the operational and supply capabilities of the terrorist groups, further disrupting their ability to plan, execute attacks against civilians and security forces.
The Nigerian Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive operations across all terrorist strongholds until lasting peace and stability are fully restored in the North East and other affected regions of the country.
