Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks, destroy camps in Timbuktu Triangle
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Timbuktu Triangle, recording further operational gains against the insurgents.
In a statement on Monday, the military explained that the successes were achieved during the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity on Sunday, January 18, 2026, when troops advanced from their harbour area to conduct intelligence-led operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
According to the Joint Task Force, effective air-to-ground coordination enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, discouraged reinforcement by the insurgents and enhanced the precision of ground operations.
During the operation, troops destroyed several terrorist camps and recovered items of military significance, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition.
Also recovered were Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7x108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grain, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a petroleum, oil and lubricant dump. The military noted that the recoveries further degraded the operational and logistical capabilities of the terrorists.
The troops reportedly came under armed drone attacks by the insurgents around midday but maintained their advance and sustained the offensive. A second attack attempt later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area.
The military assessed the security situation in the Timbuktu Triangle as calm but unpredictable, noting that troops remain vigilant and on high alert.
The Military High Command reiterated its resolve to sustain the operations, stressing that troops remain committed to eliminating terrorist threats, protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East.
