Troops repel VBIED attacks, kill terrorists in Timbuktu triangle operation
By KHUBAYB ADEFAKA
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued their offensive operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known enclave of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, recording fresh gains and further weakening insurgent presence in the area.
In the latest phase of the operation, several terrorists were neutralised, while troops successfully foiled attempted Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attacks.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops cleared and dominated key locations within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
He said troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements during the operations and engaged them, leading to the neutralisation of several insurgents.
According to Uba, on 20 January 2026, troops consolidating at a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria encountered two VBIEDs. One of the explosive-laden vehicles was neutralised through prompt action, while the second breached the defensive position and affected some logistics platforms.
He confirmed that some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the incident, while others sustained injuries.
The wounded, he said, were immediately evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, with Nigerian Air Force platforms providing aerial support and overwatch to ensure the safe evacuation of casualties and the security of troops on the ground.
Uba also disclosed that troops later uncovered mass graves containing about 20 bodies of terrorists killed during previous encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by retreating fighters.
He noted that the discovery highlights the extent of terrorist casualties and undermines propaganda claims by insurgent groups.
The military spokesperson added that the security situation across the North East theatre of operations remains generally stable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational effectiveness as pressure continues on fleeing terrorist elements.
He reaffirmed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain committed to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
