A gunfight between the criminal elements and the Nigerian Army’s Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) troops resulted in the deaths of several terrorists.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, made this announcement on Tuesday.
He claimed that important terrorist sites throughout the triangle, including as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas, were successfully cleansed and taken over by the forces.
He continued by saying that during the operation, soldiers came across terrorist forces that were fleeing and engaged them with heavy fire, neutralizing a number of terrorists.
However, it was stated that during the operation, some brave troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed, while others were injured.
While acknowledging the casualties, Uba stated in the statement that some soldiers were killed and injured when terrorists’ Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) broke the defensive position.
He confirmed that the wounded soldiers were successfully evacuated to the hospital, where they are being treated, and that the troops’ morale is still strong.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to move into the Timbuktu Triangle, making notable operational progress and significantly undermining terrorist networks that are active there. Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general regions were among the critical terrorist locations in the triangle that soldiers effectively cleared and took control of during the most recent phase of operations. Several terrorists were neutralized as a result of troops’ sporadic encounters with escaping terrorist members during these operations, which involved heavy gunfire.
“On January 20, 2026, forces came across two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) while consolidating at a harbor area about 6 km north of Chilaria. One VBIED was successfully neutralized with diligence and prompt action. However, several logistics platforms were impacted by the second VBIED’s breach of the defensive posture. Some brave soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during this assault, while others were injured. Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters quickly transported the injured to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital. Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, working in tandem with other Nigerian Army air platforms, provided constant overwatch during the evacuation to guarantee the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground personnel, therefore neutralizing further terrorists.
“Troops found mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts, further demonstrating the terrorists’ severe losses.” This discovery significantly undermines terrorist propaganda narratives and reveals the extent of terrorist casualties.
“The security situation is largely stable throughout the theater. Operations continue with constant pressure on terrorist elements that are leaving, and troops’ morale and fighting effectiveness remain high. The complete statement states, “OPHK troops are unwavering in their resolve to defend civilians, destroy terrorist networks, and establish enduring peace and security throughout the Northeast.”
