Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have destroyed three ISWAP detention facilities deep within the Timbuktu Triangle forest, liberating over 70 captives and neutralising 32 terrorists.
The advance extends security forces’ reach into previously inaccessible insurgent strongholds and disrupts ISWAP’s operational and coercive networks.
The operation, part of Operation DESERT SANITY V, involved intelligence-driven manoeuvres over the past two weeks, forcing terrorists to abandon key detention sites in Gujba Local Government Area.
From 21 January to 3 February, troops located and demolished three facilities capable of holding up to 300 detainees, according to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Many captives escaped during combat operations and resurfaced in villages including Goniri, Buratai, and Mandaragirau.
Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, abducted from Kufi village on 22 December 2025, confirmed he fled during an engagement between troops and ISWAP fighters.
Combat losses inflicted on ISWAP included 32 fighters, among them two Qaids and three Munzirs, while others sustained serious injuries during intense gun battles. Clearance operations ensured the facilities were permanently destroyed, preventing reoccupation.
The destruction of detention facilities undermines ISWAP’s internal enforcement mechanisms, disrupts its ransom collection, and limits operational freedom.
Sustainability of Counter Insurgency
The operation demonstrates growing effectiveness and sustainability of counter-insurgency strategies, reinforces psychological pressure on terrorists, and provides actionable intelligence from liberated detainees.
Troops coordinated intelligence gathering and offensive maneuvers in the Timbuktu Triangle, a dense forest spanning Borno and Yobe states.
Units conducted systematic area sweeps, engaged insurgents, neutralised threats, secured captives, and demolished the detention facilities. Operations were completed without friendly casualties.
Regional Stability
Over 70 captives were freed, including men, women, and children, many of whom were later reintegrated into local communities. The liberation prevents further unlawful detention, protects civilians from ransom exploitation, and contributes to regional stability.
The operation was coordinated by the Joint Task Force North East, with operational oversight by the Theatre Commander.
Local village authorities assisted in managing the safe return of freed captives.
Troop morale remains high, operational readiness is sustained, and forces maintain vigilance across the Theatre.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to denying insurgents safe havens and restoring lasting peace to North East Nigeria.
Local leaders and freed captives praised the swift action of the JTF, citing improved community safety.
Terrorist Control
The Theatre Command emphasised continuous intelligence-driven operations to prevent resurgence of terrorist control.
Follow-up operations will continue to track residual ISWAP elements, secure remaining forested areas, and integrate intelligence from liberated detainees to disrupt future terrorist planning.
Lateefah Ibrahim