OPERATION HADIN KAI TROOPS DESTROY 3 ISWAP DETENTION CAMPS, FREE MORE THAN 70 CAPTIVES

Gujba, Yobe State, February 2026

Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation HADIN KAI have recorded a major operational success with the destruction of three Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist detention camps deep within the notorious Timbuktu Triangle forest in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The feat was achieved during a sustained intelligence-led offensive conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY-V, which forced terrorists to abandon facilities previously believed to be beyond the reach of security forces.

According to a statement issued by the Media and Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation, which commenced on 21 January 2026, led to the discovery and demolition of three major detention camps spread across the Timbuktu Triangle, an area spanning parts of Borno and Yobe States.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the destroyed facilities had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, underscoring the scale of ISWAP’s detention and ransom operations in the region.

The statement further revealed that sustained military pressure during the offensive resulted in the escape of more than 70 captives, many of whom later resurfaced in nearby communities, including Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.

One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, recounted that he managed to flee during a fierce gun battle between ISWAP fighters and advancing troops.
During the encounters, no fewer than 32 ISWAP fighters were neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others were injured.
Following the clearance of the area, troops deliberately destroyed the detention facilities to prevent their reuse, a move that highlights the professionalism, discipline and combat effectiveness of the Operation HADIN KAI forces.

Military authorities say the successful operation has significantly degraded ISWAP’s capacity to detain civilians, extort ransom and exert control over local communities, while further shrinking the group’s operational space in the North East.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.