Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a Boko Haram drone-coordinated attack and recovered terrorists’ flags, weapons, and other logistics during sustained military operations in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the troops came under attack while advancing after carrying out deliberate, intelligence-driven operations against several identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded further operational successes under Operation Desert Sanity, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks by insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement said.

Lt. Col. Uba explained that the operation was supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage throughout the mission.

He noted that the air-ground collaboration enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, prevented reinforcement by the insurgents, and significantly enhanced the effectiveness and confidence of the ground troops.

During the operation, troops recovered items of military and logistical value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62×39mm special ammunition, and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition.

Other items recovered included Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities, and a petroleum, oil, and lubricant dump, all of which further weakened the terrorists’ operational capabilities.

The statement revealed that at about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists. Despite the assault, the troops maintained their momentum and continued the offensive.

A second drone-assisted attack later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to retreat and reaffirming the military’s dominance of the area.

Lt. Col. Uba added that troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, while operational efficiency continues to be maintained.

He said the security situation in the area is currently calm but remains unpredictable, with troops on high alert and maintaining a strong state of readiness.

“The Military High Command has reaffirmed that these operations will continue as troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability in the North East,” the statement concluded.