Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have continued sustained offensive operations under Operation DESERT SANITY V, recording significant successes against terrorist elements in coordinated engagements across the Timbuktu and Bulabulin Forest areas.

The operations, carried out in conjunction with the Air Component Command of OPHK, involved Sector 2 troops operating along the Azir Bridge (Timbuktu axis) and the Bulabulin Forest corridor.

Operations in Bulabulin Forest Axis

Troops of Sector 2, alongside elements of the Stabilisation Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force, cleared several terrorist enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, Yaro Shuwari, and adjoining locations around the Bulabulin Forest and Kamadogu Yobe stretch.

During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists at Malam Shiri Village, where they executed a coordinated flanking manoeuvre supported by assault air platforms. The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of 11 terrorists, while others fled with injuries.

Following exploitation of the area, troops destroyed all identified life-support structures and recovered the following items:

9 AK-47 rifles

3 PKT anti-aircraft machine guns

5 motorcycles

Assorted ammunition

Materials suspected to be used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

These recoveries significantly disrupted terrorist logistics and operational capacity within the axis.

Timbuktu Axis Engagement

In a separate but coordinated operation along the Timbuktu axis, specifically the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor, troops maintained contact with terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure.

With air support and strong tactical discipline, ground forces held their positions and effectively repelled the attackers. Subsequent exploitation of the area revealed 7 neutralised terrorists, with additional evidence such as blood trails and body parts suggesting higher enemy casualties.

Recovered items include:

AK-47 rifles

RPG tubes

Large cache of ammunition

Bandoliers

Communication equipment

Air Support and Coordination

The Air Component Command of OPHK played a decisive role in both operations, providing continuous Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), which enabled accurate targeting and real-time battlefield awareness.

The Nigerian Air Force also conducted precision air interdiction strikes on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, resulting in further enemy losses and the collapse of organised resistance. The combined air–land operations were described as highly effective and well synchronised.

Follow-up Operations and Command Remarks

Troops, in collaboration with volunteer forces, are currently conducting aggressive follow-up exploitation operations along the Forfor, Multe, and Wajiroko axes to consolidate gains, pursue fleeing terrorists, and prevent regrouping.

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo in the interest of security and economic stability in the North East region.