Odita Sunday 
Troops Intensify Offensive Under Desert Sanity V, Neutralise Terrorists, Destroy Enclaves in Borno
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained offensive operations against terrorist elements under Operation Desert Sanity V, recording significant gains in coordinated ground and air assaults across the Timbuktu and Bulabulin forest axes.
The operations, conducted by troops of Sector 2 in collaboration with the Air Component Command of OPHK, targeted terrorist strongholds around Azir Bridge (Timbuktu axis) and the Bulabulin Forest corridor.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), troops on the Bulabulin Forest axis, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force and Sector 2 Stabilisation Force Brigade, successfully cleared terrorist enclaves in Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, Yaro Shuwari and adjoining areas.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists at Malam Shiri Village, engaging them in a coordinated flanking manoeuvre supported by air strikes.
The statement noted that 11 terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with injuries.
“All life support structures were destroyed, while exploitation of the area led to the recovery of nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition and materials for Improvised Explosive Devices,” the statement said
Similarly, at the Timbuktu axis along the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor, troops engaged terrorists in another encounter supported by air assets.
The troops maintained their positions and neutralised seven terrorists, with further evidence suggesting higher casualties among fleeing insurgents.
Recovered items from the operation include AK-47 rifles, RPG tubes, ammunition, bandoliers and communication equipment.
The statement highlighted the critical role of the Air Component, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support, enabling precise targeting and real-time coordination.
“Precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, further decimating insurgents and ensuring the success of the operation,” it added.
Troops are currently conducting follow-up operations along the Forfor, Multe and Wajiroko axes to consolidate gains and prevent regrouping by fleeing terrorists.
The military said the sustained offensive reflects the growing operational effectiveness of OPHK in the North-East theatre.
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