By Hauwa Umar
In a decisive and coordinated offensive, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a daring operation deep into the heart of Sambisa Forest earlier today, May 15, 2025, successfully dislodging terrorists from some of their most notorious hideouts.
The operation, which began at the break of dawn and lasted until midday—from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.—targeted terrorist camps in Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, and Ukuba, all known enclaves within the forest notorious for harboring insurgent elements and serving as operational bases for launching attacks on surrounding communities.
With precision and overwhelming firepower, the gallant troops stormed the camps, catching the insurgents off guard. Faced with superior military tactics and firepower, the terrorists fled in disarray, abandoning their weapons, equipment, and makeshift infrastructure.
Among the items recovered were assorted firearms, explosive devices, and equipment used in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), signaling a major disruption to the insurgents’ capacity to conduct further terror operations in the region. Some logistics supplies and intelligence materials were also seized.
Military sources described the operation as part of a broader and sustained push to dominate the Sambisa axis and deny terrorists any form of sanctuary. "This operation sends a strong message to remnants of terrorist elements: there is no safe haven for them in Nigeria. The troops are determined to bring every last one of them to justice," a senior military officer said.
The forest, once considered impenetrable and a fortress for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions, has seen increased military pressure in recent months, with several successful incursions pushing the terrorists further to the fringes.
Troops have commenced further exploitation of the cleared areas to gather intelligence, root out remaining threats, and destroy any unexploded ordnance or hidden tunnels used by the insurgents.
Today’s success adds to the growing list of victories recorded by Nigerian forces in the North-East, and reflects the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian Army and allied forces to restore peace and stability to the region.