Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated drone attack by Boko Haram insurgents while conducting clearance operations in the volatile Timbuktu Triangle region of Borno State.
In a statement released on Monday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the troops were advancing from their harbour area on Sunday after intelligence-led operations against identified terrorist enclaves when they came under attack.
Despite repeated attempts by the insurgents to disrupt the offensive using armed drones, Army personnel maintained operational momentum, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
The statement noted that the operation was supported by aerial assets providing sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage, which helped block insurgent reinforcements and enhance the effectiveness of ground forces.
During the operation, troops recovered a cache of weapons, logistics items and supplies believed to belong to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
Recovered items included communication devices, mobile phones, ammunition, terrorist flags, diesel-powered equipment, medical supplies, food items, a pickup truck and concealed logistics stores.
Military authorities said the seizures would significantly weaken the operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
Lt. Col. Uba added that troops remain highly motivated and that clearance operations will continue as the military intensifies efforts to restore peace and ensure the safety of civilians across the North-East.
The incident highlights the growing use of unmanned aerial systems by insurgent groups in the region, a development that has raised security concerns in recent months.
