By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified their offensive in the Timbuktu Triangle, recording major successes against terrorist elements entrenched in the area.
The troops cleared several terrorist hideouts, including Tergejeri, Chiralia and the Ajigin/Abirma axis, forcing insurgents to flee under heavy military pressure.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Uba said the advancing troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorists and engaged them with overwhelming firepower.
“Troops successfully cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the Timbuktu Triangle,” he said.
According to him, several terrorists were neutralised during the encounters.
Uba revealed that on January 20, 2026, troops consolidating about six kilometres north of Chilaria encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices.
He said one of the car bombs was successfully neutralised, while the second breached the defensive position and damaged some logistics platforms.
“In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price,” Uba stated.
He added that others sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters.
Uba explained that Nigerian Air Force platforms provided continuous air cover to guarantee the safe evacuation of casualties and protect troops on the ground.
In another major breakthrough, troops discovered mass graves containing about 20 terrorist bodies buried by their fellow fighters.
“This discovery further exposes the scale of losses suffered by the terrorists and discredits their propaganda,” Uba said.
He noted that security across the theatre remains generally stable despite sustained operations.
Uba assured that troops’ morale remains high and pressure on fleeing terrorists will continue.
He reaffirmed the resolve of Operation HADIN KAI to restore peace and protect civilians across the North East.
Battle for Timbuktu Triangle: Troops Crush Terrorists, Foil Car Bombs, Uncover Mass Graves
