The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the deaths of 22 Nigerian soldiers and more than 70 insurgents during an ongoing military offensive in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist enclave in Borno State.
The operation, led by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, commenced on January 16, 2025, with the aim of dismantling terrorist strongholds in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, detailed the progress of the offensive and the significant encounters with insurgents.
According to Buba, three senior terrorist commanders were among those neutralized during the operation: Talha, the Special Forces Commander; Mallam Umar, the Operations Commander; and Abu Yazeed, the Brigade Commander.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast conducted a clearance operation targeting the infamous Timbuktu Triangle, a stronghold of terrorist activity,” Buba stated. “The multi-pronged operation, which began on January 16, aims to dismantle the terrorist presence within the triangle. Over 70 terrorist combatants, including high-ranking commanders, have been neutralized.”
Buba revealed that the terrorists employed a range of lethal tactics to counter the military’s advance, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones. However, the troops demonstrated tactical superiority, repelling these attacks.
“During the operation, terrorists deployed IEDs, both person-borne and vehicle-borne suicide bombers, as well as drones. Troops, familiar with these tactics, successfully thwarted several attempts, including shooting down the drones used by the insurgents,” Buba added.
While acknowledging the loss of 22 soldiers and several others wounded, Buba urged the media to refrain from publishing the names of fallen soldiers to ensure their families are notified formally.
“Sadly, 22 soldiers were killed in action, with others wounded during the operation. We appeal to the media to hold off on publishing the names of the casualties until their next of kin have been formally informed,” he said.
The operation remains ongoing, with troops continuing their advance to eradicate terrorist elements within the Timbuktu Triangle.