The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the deaths of 22 soldiers and more than 70 insurgents during a high-stakes military operation in the Timbuktu Triangle, a well-known terrorist stronghold located in Borno State. The operation, which began on January 16, 2025, is being led by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai with the objective of dismantling and eliminating terrorist cells in the region.
Maj Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided an update on Sunday, highlighting the intensity of the operation and the significant encounters between Nigerian forces and insurgents. According to Buba, the operation has seen the neutralization of three key terrorist commanders: Talha, the leader of the Terrorist Special Forces; Mallam Umar, the Operations Commander; and Abu Yazeed, the Brigade Commander.
“The military’s clearance mission targeting the Timbuktu Triangle began on January 16 and is still ongoing,” Buba explained. “Throughout this mission, there have been numerous confrontations with insurgents, leading to the elimination of over 70 combatants, including three high-ranking commanders.”
The insurgents, attempting to thwart the advancing forces, used a range of deadly tactics such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones. Despite these efforts, the Nigerian troops demonstrated superior tactics, successfully repelling the insurgent attempts and maintaining the momentum of their operation.
“Throughout the operation, the terrorists deployed IEDs, suicide bombers, and explosive-laden vehicles to disrupt our forces,” Buba stated. “Our troops, well-versed in such strategies, countered these assaults effectively, even shooting down several drones used by the insurgents.”
In addition to acknowledging the significant progress made, Buba expressed his condolences over the loss of 22 soldiers during the operation. He called for discretion from the media, urging restraint in publishing the names of the fallen soldiers until their families have been officially informed.
“Sadly, 22 of our brave soldiers were killed in action, and several others sustained injuries,” he said. “We urge the media to avoid publishing the names of our fallen heroes until their next of kin have been formally notified.”
The operation is far from over, as military authorities maintain their commitment to eliminating the insurgent threat in the region. Troops are relentlessly pushing forward, determined to rid the Timbuktu Triangle and surrounding areas of terrorist elements that have long terrorized the local population. With each passing day, the scope of the operation expands, and the Nigerian military is leveraging advanced tactics and intelligence to target terrorist strongholds.
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The ongoing mission is not just about neutralizing combatants but also about dismantling the infrastructure that supports these insurgent groups, aiming to restore peace and stability to one of the most volatile regions in the country. As the operation continues, the military has vowed to remain resolute in its efforts, undeterred by the challenges and risks that lie ahead.
