Troops Neutralise Terrorist Camps, Repel Drone Attacks in North-East Offensive

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational gains under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, clearing multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and logistics, and successfully repelling coordinated insurgent attacks within the Timbuktu Triangle.

On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour areas to conduct deliberate, intelligence-driven operations across identified terrorist enclaves in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma. The operation was strongly supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)coverage. This air–ground coordination enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred reinforcement, and significantly enhanced the precision and effectiveness of ground manoeuvres.

During the clearance operations, 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, 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics stores, and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) dump. These recoveries further degraded the operational and sustainment capabilities of the terrorists.

At about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists. Despite this, the troops maintained momentum and continued the offensive. A second drone attack attempt later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area.

Troops’ morale remains high, with fighting efficiency sustained despite prolonged engagements. While the general security situation in the area is assessed as calm, it remains unpredictable, and troops continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness.

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

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