The Nigerian Army, under Operation HADIN KAI, has successfully neutralized over 60 terrorists during a week-long operation aimed at dismantling insurgent strongholds in the North-East region.
The operation, codenamed Desert Sanity IV, resulted in the recovery of 14 AK-47 rifles, six RPG tubes, 24 magazines, and 18 motorcycles, signaling a significant blow to terrorist networks in the area.
The offensive commenced on 16 January 2025, targeting terrorist hideouts in Jemyeri, Abulam, Agum, and Digamari. A major victory was achieved at Garin Baban Alhassan, where troops destroyed an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) training camp, neutralizing 18 terrorists. Among those killed were three high-ranking ISWAP commanders: Talha, the group’s women leader; Mallam Umar, an RPG trainer; and Abu Yazeed, the Brigade Commander for the Timbuktu Triangle.
On 22 January, troops from the 199 Special Forces Battalion, Combat Teams 6 and 8, advanced towards Gardiri, systematically clearing terrorist camps at Burbur, Lamisuri, Kassachia, and Buk. These efforts dismantled critical insurgent infrastructure and forced enemy combatants into retreat within the Timbuktu Triangle.
However, on 24 January at approximately 7:10 p.m., the operation faced a setback when terrorists launched a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack on troops stationed at the Gardiri base. The devastating explosion claimed the lives of a Commanding Officer, two other officers, and several soldiers, while injuring 20 others.
Despite this loss, the operation maintained momentum, culminating in the neutralization of more than 60 terrorists. A post-operation review is underway to refine strategies and prepare for a re-launch.
The Nigerian Army has also debunked circulating reports of terrorist activity in Malam Fatori, clarifying that the incidents were confined to the Timbuktu Triangle in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
This latest operation underscores the resilience of Nigerian troops in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the North-East.
