By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained the momentum of their offensive against insurgents in the North East, recording fresh successes under Operation DESERT SANITY with the clearance of several terrorist camps and the recovery of arms and logistics in the Timbuktu Triangle.
The troops, advancing from their harbour areas, carried out deliberate, intelligence-driven operations across identified terrorist enclaves at Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
The ground operations were effectively supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across the operational axis.
This close air ground collaboration enabled real-time monitoring of terrorist movements, prevented reinforcement by insurgents and significantly enhanced the precision and confidence of the advancing troops on the ground.
During the operations, troops recovered items of military and logistical value, including Baofeng radios, mobile phones, AK-47 magazines, assorted rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, as well as Boko Haram/ISWAP flags.
Others include links of 12.7 × 108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, large quantities of medical supplies and food items, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) dump. The recoveries further degraded the operational and sustainment capabilities of the terrorists.
At about midday, advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the insurgents but maintained their tempo and continued the offensive. A second attempt by the terrorists later in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing them to withdraw and reaffirm the troops’ dominance of the area.
Despite the sustained engagements, troop morale remains high, with fighting efficiency maintained. While the general security situation in the area is assessed as calm, it remains unpredictable, prompting troops to remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.
The Military High Command has reaffirmed that operations will continue, assuring that troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East.
