Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded fresh operational gains in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity, clearing several terrorist camps, recovering arms and logistics, and successfully repelling coordinated attacks by insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle of the North East.
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, the troops advanced from their harbour positions to conduct deliberate and intelligence driven operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma. The ground offensive was effectively supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage across the area of operations.
The close air ground coordination enabled real time tracking of terrorist movements, discouraged reinforcement by insurgent elements and significantly enhanced the precision and effectiveness of ground troops as they advanced into hostile territory.
During the operations, troops recovered a range of items of military and logistical value. These included Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK 47 magazines, quantities of 7.62 by 39 millimetre special ammunition, 7.62 millimetre NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 by 108 millimetre ammunition, diesel powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick up vehicle, underground logistics storage facilities and a petroleum, oil and lubricant dump. The recovery and destruction of these items further degraded the operational and logistical capacity of the terrorists.
At about midday, the advancing troops came under attack by armed drones deployed by the terrorists. Despite the threat, the troops maintained momentum and sustained the offensive without loss of initiative. A second drone attack attempted later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming the troops’ dominance of the area.
The military reported that troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, with combat efficiency and operational discipline consistently maintained. While the general security situation in the area is assessed as relatively calm, it remains unpredictable, and troops continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness.
The Military High Command has reaffirmed that the ongoing operations will continue with renewed intensity, as troops remain resolute in their mission to neutralise terrorist threats, protect civilian populations and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region.