In the Timbuktu Triangle region of Borno State, troops from Operation Hadin Kai have resisted an attack orchestrated by Boko Haram drones and retrieved terrorists’ flags, along with other items and symbols.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Northeast’s media information officer.
Sani clarified that after carrying out purposeful, intelligence-led operations on Sunday in a number of recognized terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, the troops were attacked as they advanced.
According to the statement: “Operation DESERT SANITY is still going strong, and troops from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have achieved additional operational successes by destroying several terrorist camps, recovering weapons and equipment, and thwarting coordinated attacks by the insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle.” On Sunday, January 18, 2026, forces moved away from their harbor area and carried out planned, intelligence-driven operations throughout a number of terrorist enclaves, including Abirma, Garin Faruk, and Chilaria.
Sani claims that OPHK’s aviation component, which offered continuous Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across the axis, helped the operation.
The statement went on to say, “The air-to-ground synergy improved the accuracy and confidence of ground operations, prevented adversary reinforcement, and allowed real-time tracking of terrorist movement.”
Troops recovered a number of military-related equipment during the raid, including phones, Baofeng radios, five AK-47 magazines, multiple rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition, and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition.
“Several Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108 mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage, and Petroleum and Oil Lubricant (POL) dump, all further degraded the operational and logistical capability of the terrorists” were among the others.
“The advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists at about midday,” the statement said.
The troops kept up their momentum and carried on with their offensives in spite of this. The terrorists were forced to flee after a second attempt in the evening was also soundly repulsed, reiterating the military’ control over the region, the statement read.
According to Sani, fighting efficiency and soldier morale are still good in spite of prolonged confrontations.
“With troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness, the general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable,” he said.
“The operations will continue as troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East,” he said, adding that the Military High Command had confirmed this.
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