Army foils Boko Haram drone attack in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated drone-assisted attack by Boko Haram insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, recovering flags, weapons, and other logistics belonging to the terrorists.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He said the incident occurred during ongoing intelligence-led offensives under Operation Desert Sanity.

According to the statement, troops advanced from their harbour locations on Sunday to conduct deliberate operations across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma. The operation was supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage.

Lt. Col. Uba said the air-to-ground coordination enabled real-time monitoring of terrorist movements, disrupted reinforcement efforts, and enhanced the effectiveness of the ground assault.

During the operation, troops recovered items of military value such as Baofeng radios, mobile phones, five AK-47 magazines, 7.62×39mm ammunition, 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, and links of 12.7×108mm rounds. Also recovered were Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, medical supplies, diesel-powered grinding machines, bags of grains, a pick-up vehicle, underground logistics storage facilities, and a petroleum, oil and lubricant dump.

The statement noted that the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks around midday, followed by another attempt in the evening. Both attacks were successfully repelled, forcing the terrorists to retreat and reinforcing the military’s control of the area.

Lt. Col. Uba said troop morale remains high despite sustained engagements, adding that while the security situation in the area is currently calm, forces remain on high alert.

He added that the military high command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operations until terrorist threats are eliminated and lasting peace and stability are restored in the North East.