Nigerian military uncovers Boko Haram underground supply hub in major Borno operation

Nigerian troops have uncovered an underground logistics base used by Boko Haram fighters during a coordinated military offensive in Borno State, dealing a fresh blow to insurgent supply networks in the North-East.

The discovery followed intelligence-led raids carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, spanning the communities of Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma. The operation was conducted on Sunday as part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity.

Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, said the operation resulted in the destruction of multiple terrorist camps linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, recorded further operational successes under Operation Desert Sanity, destroying several terrorist enclaves and recovering arms, equipment and logistics,” he said in a statement released on Monday.

Fuel, medical supplies and weapons recovered

According to the military, troops moved out on 18 January 2026, launching carefully planned assaults on known insurgent hideouts. The operation was supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided real-time surveillance and intelligence.

Lt. Col. Sani said the air-ground coordination helped track terrorist movements, prevent reinforcements and improve the accuracy of ground operations.

During the raids, soldiers uncovered an underground supply facility stocked with fuel, petroleum products, food items and medical supplies believed to be used to sustain insurgent operations.

Recovered items included communication devices, mobile phones, Baofeng radios, five AK-47 magazines, and various rounds of 7.62×39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition. Troops also recovered Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, links of 12.7×108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, bags of grains and a pick-up vehicle.

Military officials said the seizures have significantly disrupted the militants’ ability to move supplies and sustain operations in the area.

Troops repel drone attacks

The military said the operation was not without resistance. Troops reportedly came under armed drone attacks from insurgents during the advance.

“At about midday, the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks launched by the terrorists,” Lt. Col. Sani said.

He added that a second drone attack later in the evening was also repelled, forcing the militants to retreat and confirming the military’s control of the area.

While the security situation in the Timbuktu Triangle is currently described as calm, the military warned that it remains unpredictable, with troops on high alert.

Lt. Col. Sani said the armed forces remain committed to sustaining the offensive to dismantle terrorist networks, protect civilians and restore lasting peace across the North-East.