By Chimezie Godfrey
The Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has destroyed a notorious ISWAP terrorist detention facility deep within the forested Timbuktu Triangle in Gujba Local Government Area.
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.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, said the development marks a significant advance into areas long considered beyond the reach of security forces.
”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 said.
From 21 January 2026 to date, troops uncovered and destroyed 3 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.
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 2 Qaids and 3 Munzirs, while several others sustained serious injuries during fierce engagements with troops.