Ikpea Commends Nigerian Troops, President Tinubu and Defence Leadership as Military Repels Boko Haram–ISWAP Attack in North-East

Senator Ikpea Media Force

Abuja, Nigeria — January 19, 2026

Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry and professionalism following a successful military operation that neutralised a combined Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assault and dismantled multiple terrorist camps in Nigeria’s North-East.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI, acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated ground and air offensive on Sunday, January 18, 2026, targeting identified terrorist enclaves in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma within the volatile Timbuktu Triangle. The operation, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY, was aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities and preventing further attacks on military installations and surrounding communities.

Supported by the Air Component’s continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage, Nigerian forces executed precision strikes that denied the terrorists freedom of movement and the ability to reinforce or escape. Several insurgent camps were destroyed during the clearance exercise, with troops recovering significant military and logistical items, including weapons, ammunition, communication devices, vehicles, fuel reserves, medical supplies and food stockpiles.

During the advance, the terrorists attempted to disrupt the operation through coordinated armed drone attacks launched at both midday and in the evening. The assaults were effectively repelled, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining further losses.

Reacting to the development, Senator Ikpea described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian military’s growing operational strength, resilience and strategic superiority. He commended the courage and sacrifice of the men and women on the frontline, noting that their actions continue to inspire national confidence and reinforce Nigeria’s collective resolve against terrorism.

The Senator also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his firm leadership and unwavering commitment to the fight against insecurity, stressing that sustained political will and strategic direction have been critical to recent gains recorded by the Armed Forces. He further praised the Minister of Defence and the Defence Headquarters for their commitment to intelligence-driven operations, improved inter-service coordination, modernisation of military capabilities and enhanced troop welfare.

Military authorities confirmed that troop morale remains high, vigilance has been intensified across the theatre, and operations will continue until terrorist threats are decisively eliminated and lasting peace is restored to the North-East.