Troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a coordinated Boko Haram assault involving drones and seized insurgents’ flags, weapons, and logistics items during a major offensive in Borno State.
The encounter occurred as soldiers advanced on known terrorist hideouts following carefully planned, intelligence-driven operations. Despite coming under drone-assisted attacks, the troops held their ground, countered the assault, and forced the insurgents to retreat, maintaining control of the operational area.
The operation was strengthened by strong coordination between ground forces and the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided continuous aerial surveillance. This air support enabled real-time monitoring of terrorist movements, disrupted reinforcements, and improved the effectiveness of the ground advance.
The military action took place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, across multiple terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, all in Borno State.
Confirming the development in a statement released on Monday, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Northeast, said the troops recorded significant operational gains.
He noted that soldiers destroyed several terrorist camps and recovered items such as communication radios, mobile phones, AK-47 magazines, different calibers of ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, medical supplies, food items, fuel dumps, and other logistics equipment.
According to Lt. Col. Sani, the troops were targeted with armed drones around midday, with a second attempt later in the evening, both of which were decisively repelled. He added that troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, stressing that security in the area is calm but unpredictable, with forces on full alert.
He further stated that the military high command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until terrorist threats are neutralized and lasting peace is restored in the Northeast.
