PICTORIAL: Troops Repel Boko Haram Drone Attack In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a Boko Haram drone-coordinated attack and recovered a large cache of terrorists’ equipment, including flags, emblems, and other military and logistical materials, in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.

He explained that the troops were attacked while advancing after conducting deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The statement read, “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes in the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks by the insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle. On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour area and conducted deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma.”

Lt. Col. Uba highlighted that the operation was supported by the air component of OPHK, which provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over the axis.

“The air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations,” the statement added.

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

Other recovered items included several Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108mm 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 of which further degraded the operational and logistical capability of the terrorists.

The statement noted that at about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists.

“Despite this, the troops maintained momentum and continued the offensives. A second attempt in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw, reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area,” it said.

The spokesman further stated that despite sustained engagements, troop morale remains high, and fighting efficiency continues to be maintained.

“The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” he added.

He concluded that the Military High Command affirmed that the operations will continue, as troops remained resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East.

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