Troops clear several ISWAP enclaves in Timbuktu Triangle, sustain offensive operations

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have sustained clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, forcing terrorists to flee several enclaves in Borno State.

Sources said the weekly long operations which began on Tuesday under Operation Desert Sanity was  part of ongoing offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in the North-East theatre.

According to the sources, the first battle group, comprising troops of 25 Brigade, elements of 28 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), advanced along the Azir–Hawan Burum–Multe–Forfor axis, clearing the routes and surrounding settlements.

During the operation, it was confirmed that terrorists fled Forfor village upon sighting the advancing troops. No contact was made as the terrorists abandoned the settlement before the arrival of troops,” the sources said.

In a related development, a second battle group comprising troops of 231 Battalion, 331 Artillery Regiment, 162 Amphibious Battalion and CJTF members conducted clearance operations around the fringes of the Timbuktu Triangle.

The troops, advanced through Mandaragirau, Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere communities.

The operation covered Gur, Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere settlements, the terrorists hastily abandoned their camp on sighting the fighting troops. 

Similarly, troops of the Army Headquarters Intervention Battalion advanced further into Wawa Kura and Wawa Lawanti communities during the operation.

The sources said movement of troops was slowed by river obstacles and difficult terrain, while the settlements were found deserted with no standing structures. The troops later consolidate their positions and maintain their aggressive patrol postures. 

The military said the operations formed part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement, dismantle enclaves and enhance security dominance across the Timbuktu Triangle and adjoining areas.

It added that monitoring and further exploitation operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent their regrouping.