Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized over 70 terrorist combatants, including at least three key commanders, during a clearance operation in the Timbuktu Triangle enclave in the Northeast,Daily Trust reports.
The operation, which involved both air and ground troops, targeted terrorist hideouts across Borno and Yobe states. Military sources revealed that the offensive was ordered by the Northeast military leadership to dismantle strongholds of terrorists in the region.
On Friday, troops launched a ground assault on a major Islamic State-affiliated militant base in a desolate area straddling the two states. Reports indicate that 22 soldiers were killed in action during fierce encounters, though earlier claims suggested a higher casualty figure of 27. The clarification came from Major-General Edward Buba, outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, who confirmed the updated numbers in a statement on Sunday.
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Buba revealed that among the neutralized terrorist leaders were the Special Forces Commander known as Talha, Operations Commander Mallam Umar, and Brigade Commander Abu Yazeed. The loss of their commanders prompted retaliatory measures from the terrorists, including the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Person-Borne IEDs (suicide bombers), and Vehicle-Borne IEDs (explosive-laden vehicles) to repel advancing troops.
“The clearance operation in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle commenced on January 16, 2025, and is ongoing,” Buba said, adding that the operation aims to dismantle the terrorists’ presence in the region.
Despite encountering fierce resistance, including the deployment of IEDs and amateur drones, the troops successfully thwarted numerous attacks. “Troops recorded significant successes, neutralizing over 70 combatants and three notable commanders,” Buba stated.
He confirmed that while 22 soldiers were killed in action and several others wounded, the military remains committed to the operation’s objectives. Buba urged the media to refrain from publishing the names of fallen troops until their next of kin have been formally notified.
“The operation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course,” he concluded.
