Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated 32 terrorists and also destroyed a notorious ISWAP terrorists detention facility deep within the forested Timbuktu Triangle in Gujba Local Government Area of Borno state.
Its Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Sani Uba in a statement issued Tuesday said the troops recorded the operational breakthrough following carefully coordinated operations in the last two weeks.
He said the development marked a significant advance into areas long considered beyond the reach of security forces and underscored the growing effectiveness and sustainability of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Uba noted that the operation was conducted as part of Operation Desert Sanity V, following sustained offensive pressure and intelligence-led manoeuvres that forced terrorist elements to abandon critical facilities deep within their strongholds.
He added: “Their exposure and destruction clearly demonstrate that troops of OPHK have advanced well into inner sanctuaries of ISWAP terrorists denying the group both physical space and psychological advantage.
“From 21 January 2026 to date, troops uncovered and destroyed three major terrorists’ detention facilities concealed within the Timbuktu Triangle forest which stretches across Borno and Yobe states.
“Preliminary assessments indicated that the facilities had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, highlighting their strategic importance to ISWAP terrorists operational and coercive framework.
“Further findings indicated that sustained offensive action by troops directly led to the escape of over 70 captives previously held by the terrorists.
“This was corroborated by many of the escaped captives who later resurfaced in several villages like Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau among others.
“One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu LGA who was abducted on 22 December 2025, disclosed that he escaped during the gun duel between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle.
“During the series of encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle, ISWAP suffered significant combat losses, with no fewer than 32 fighters neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others sustained serious injuries during fierce engagements with troops.”
Uba stressed that following thorough clearance of the area, the three detention facilities were deliberately demolished, permanently denying ISWAP the ability to reuse or reoccupy the site.
He said the destruction of the detention camp marked more than a tactical victory, as it degrades ISWAP’s internal enforcement mechanisms, disrupts the terrorists ability to detain and collect ransom from civilians, and further constricts their freedom of action.
Uba added that the escape of a large number of detainees not only deprives the terrorists of a key tool of funding, but also undermines their control over local populations while potentially providing valuable intelligence and testimonies that can aid ongoing operations.