From Victor Osula, Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes in the North-East, neutralising 32 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and facilitating the rescue or escape of over 70 abducted civilians during sustained offensives.
The achievements were recorded during intelligence-led operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), confirmed the discovery and destruction of notorious ISWAP detention facilities hidden deep within the Timbuktu Triangle forest in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to the military, the offensive marked a significant breakthrough as troops successfully penetrated areas previously considered insurgent strongholds.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai recorded a major operational breakthrough following carefully coordinated operations in the last two weeks, leading to the capture and destruction of a notorious ISWAP terrorists’ detention facility deep within the forested Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement said.
The military disclosed that three major detention facilities concealed within the forest—spanning parts of Borno and Yobe states—were uncovered and destroyed in operations that commenced on January 21, 2026.
Preliminary assessments indicated these facilities could hold up to 300 detainees, serving as a strategic hub for ISWAP’s operational and coercive framework.
Sustained offensive pressure directly led to the escape of over 70 captives.
Many of the escapees later resurfaced in communities including Goniri, Buratai, and Mandaragirau.
One of the survivors, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village who was abducted on December 22, 2025, reportedly fled during a fierce gun duel between ISWAP fighters and advancing troops.
During the series of encounters, ISWAP suffered heavy losses, with at least 32 fighters neutralised, including two high-ranking Qaids and three Munzirs.
Following a thorough clearance, the military demolished the detention facilities to permanently deny the terrorists the use of the sites.
“The destruction of the detention camps marks more than a tactical victory. It degrades ISWAP’s internal enforcement mechanisms, disrupts their ability to detain civilians and collect ransom, and further constricts their freedom of action,” the statement added.
