Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have thwarted planned terrorist attacks, destroyed multiple insurgent hideouts and recovered a cache of weapons and logistics during coordinated military operations in the Timbuktu Triangle.
The Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the operations were conducted on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
According to him, troops advanced from their harbour locations and carried out deliberate, intelligence-driven offensives across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
He said the ground operations were effectively supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, enabling real-time monitoring of terrorist movements and preventing reinforcement by insurgents.
Uba explained that the close air–ground coordination enhanced the precision of the operation and boosted the confidence of advancing troops.
During the advance, troops uncovered and destroyed several terrorist camps and recovered items including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62×39mm and 7.62mm NATO 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 facilities, and petroleum, oil and lubricant dumps.
He said the recovery and destruction of these items further degraded the operational and logistical capabilities of the terrorists in the area.
Uba added that troops came under armed drone attacks by insurgents around midday, but maintained momentum and continued the offensive. A subsequent evening attack was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
Despite the engagements, he said troop morale remains high, with forces maintaining dominance of the area. While the security situation has been assessed as relatively calm, troops remain on heightened alert.
He said the Military High Command has reaffirmed its resolve to sustain ongoing operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians and restore lasting peace in the North East.
Linus Aleke
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