The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a major development in the ongoing fight against terrorism, reported the deaths of 22 soldiers and more than 70 insurgents in a fierce military operation in Borno State. The operation, led by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, is targeting the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a well-known terrorist haven.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the clearance mission began on January 16, 2025, and remains active. The troops are working to dismantle terrorist enclaves within the triangle while engaging in multiple encounters with insurgents.
Buba detailed that three high-ranking terrorist commanders were among those killed during the clashes. These include Talha, a commander of terrorist special forces; Mallam Umar, the operations commander; and Abu Yazeed, the brigade commander.
He stated, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast of the country conducted a clearance operation to a renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle. The three-prong operation aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence within the triangle commenced on 16 Jan 25 till date.
“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations, which resulted in over 70 terrorist combatants, including three notable terrorist commanders, neutralised. The terrorist commanders neutralised include and are not limited to the following: TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander). “
Despite the military’s achievements, the operation came at a cost. Buba confirmed the loss of 22 soldiers and several others injured. He appealed to the media to refrain from publishing the names of the fallen soldiers until their families have been formally notified.
Buba said, “Meanwhile, during the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices, Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.
“Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist.”
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action. On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.“
