Terrorist fighters suffered heavy losses in fresh military operations across Borno State, as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, intensified clearance missions targeting enclaves and supply routes in remote forest areas.
The operations, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, involved coordinated ground and air assaults on terrorist hideouts along the Timbuktu axis and within the Bulabulin Forest corridor, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents, destruction of logistics bases, and recovery of weapons.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lt Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said the troops executed “well-coordinated and intelligence-driven offensives” that significantly degraded terrorist capabilities across the theatre.
“Troops of Sector 2, in close synergy with the Air Component Command and other security elements, sustained offensive pressure on terrorist enclaves, leading to the neutralisation of scores of insurgents and the destruction of their life support structures,” he said.
Uba disclosed that in the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops, supported by elements of the Sector 2 Stabilisation Force Brigade and the Civilian Joint Task Force, cleared multiple enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti and Yaro Shuwari, as well as adjoining locations along the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.
“During the clearance operations, contact was made with terrorists at Malam Shiri village, where troops executed a tactical flanking manoeuvre that overwhelmed the insurgents, neutralising several of them, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” he stated.
He added that follow-up exploitation operations led to the recovery of nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
“These recoveries underscore the scale of disruption inflicted on the terrorists’ logistics network and their capacity to conduct future attacks,” Uba said.
On the Timbuktu axis, particularly along the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor, the military spokesman said troops engaged fleeing insurgents in another fierce encounter, backed by precision air support.
“Troops maintained momentum and demonstrated resilience under fire, decisively engaging the terrorists and neutralising several of them, while exploitation of the area revealed additional casualties as indicated by blood trails and abandoned equipment,” he noted.
Recovered items from the axis, according to him, included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, bandoliers, communication devices, and a large cache of ammunition.
Uba emphasised the pivotal role of the Air Component Command, noting that real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions enabled accurate targeting and enhanced battlefield coordination.
“The Air Component provided persistent ISR coverage and conducted precision interdiction strikes on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, further decimating the insurgents and ensuring the success of the synchronised air–land operations,” he said.
He stressed that the sustained offensives reflect the growing operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI and its determination to deny terrorists freedom of movement.
“Our troops remain resolute and committed to sustaining aggressive operations to clear all remaining terrorist enclaves and prevent any attempt at regrouping,” he added.
According to him, troops have continued with follow-up exploitation missions along the Forfor, Multe, and Wajiroko axes to consolidate gains and pursue fleeing fighters.
“These ongoing operations are aimed at consolidating the successes recorded, maintaining operational pressure, and ensuring that the terrorists are denied any safe haven within the theatre,” Uba said.
