By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have intensified offensive operations against insurgents in the North-East, recording significant successes in coordinated ground and air assaults across key terrorist strongholds in Borno State.
The operations, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V, targeted terrorist enclaves in the Timbuktu–Bulabulin forest axis, involving troops of Sector 2 in close collaboration with the Air Component Command of OPHK.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops executed two separate but coordinated engagements that dealt a heavy blow to terrorist elements in the region.
On the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops, alongside elements of the Stabilisation Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out clearance operations in identified enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti and Yaro Shuwari, as well as surrounding communities along the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.
During the operation, the troops, supported by air platforms, made contact with insurgents at Malam Shiri Village. Employing a tactical flanking manoeuvre, they neutralised 11 terrorists, while several others escaped with injuries. The troops subsequently destroyed life-support structures within the enclave, further weakening the insurgents’ operational base.
Items recovered from the operation include nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), significantly disrupting the terrorists’ logistics network.
In a related development, troops operating along the Timbuktu axis within the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor engaged insurgents in another fierce encounter. Backed by air support, the troops maintained strategic positions and overpowered the terrorists, neutralising seven fighters. Blood trails and recovered body parts suggested additional casualties among the fleeing insurgents.
Recovered items from the Timbuktu operation include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, a large cache of ammunition, bandoliers, and communication equipment.
The Air Component Command of OPHK was said to have played a decisive role in both operations, providing real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support, which enabled precise targeting and effective coordination of firepower. Precision air strikes were subsequently carried out on confirmed insurgent positions and retreating elements, leading to further losses on the side of the terrorists.
Meanwhile, troops, in collaboration with volunteer forces, have commenced follow-up exploitation operations along the Forfor, Multe, and Wajiroko axes aimed at consolidating gains, pursuing fleeing insurgents, and preventing any regrouping.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational momentum in the interest of restoring security and economic stability to the North-East region.
