In a series of high-stakes engagements across the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralised at least 18 terrorists and dismantled several tactical bases following a string of dawn raids and defensive battles over the last 48 hours.
The offensive began in the early hours of January 28, 2026, when troops of Sector 1 launched a coordinated surprise assault on a known insurgent stronghold in Bula Dalo. The night-to-dawn operation caught the militants off guard, resulting in a fierce firefight that left more than a dozen insurgents dead.
“Our troops conducted a highly successful surprise operation that compelled the remnants of the terrorist group to flee in disarray,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force. “We successfully recovered a significant arsenal, including four AK-47 rifles, a PKT anti-aircraft gun, a Rocket Propelled Gun, and a multiple grenade launcher.”
Following the success at Bula Dalo, Sector 1 forces moved on the Garno terrorist camp in a deliberate effort to further degrade enemy capabilities. That engagement resulted in the neutralization of six additional terrorists and the total destruction of their life-support structures. A massive cache of anti-aircraft ammunition was also seized during the raid.
However, the momentum of the week faced a significant challenge on January 29, when ISWAP fighters launched a sophisticated, drone-assisted assault on a military position in Sabon Gari. Utilising multiple armed drones to provide air cover, the insurgents managed to briefly breach a section of the defensive perimeter.
“The location was confronted by an ISWAP attack supported by armed drones in the early hours,” Lt. Col. Uba confirmed. “While the terrorists briefly breached a part of the defence, our gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault and restored full control with timely reinforcement from nearby locations.”
The victory at Sabon Gari came at a sombre cost. Military officials confirmed that a number of courageous soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme price while defending the position. The drone strikes also caused damage to heavy engineering equipment, including an excavator and a lowbed trailer.
Despite these losses, the military remains undeterred. Ongoing exploitation of the area is currently underway as the Joint Task Force intensifies its efforts to deny the insurgents freedom of action across the region.
