Troops Overrun Terrorist Strongholds in North East, Crush Drone Attacks and Seize Arms
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational gains after clearing multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and logistics, and repelling coordinated attacks in the Timbuktu Triangle as part of Operation DESERT SANITY.
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour areas and carried out intelligence-driven ground operations against identified terrorist enclaves in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma. The operation was backed by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling real-time monitoring of terrorist movements and strengthening air–ground coordination.
During the clearance operations, troops recovered items of military and logistical value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, assorted 7.62×39mm and 7.62mm NATO ammunition, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies, food items, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) dump. The seizures further degraded the terrorists’ fighting and resupply capabilities.
At about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists. Despite the threat, the troops sustained their momentum and continued the offensive. A second drone-related attempt later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to retreat and reaffirming troops’ control of the area.
Military authorities said troop morale remains high and combat effectiveness sustained, noting that while the general security situation is calm, it remains unpredictable. Troops are maintaining heightened vigilance and readiness.
The Military High Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the offensive, stressing that operations will continue until terrorist threats are eliminated, civilians are protected, and lasting peace and stability are restored across the North East.
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