The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the deaths of 22 soldiers and more than 70 insurgents during an ongoing military operation in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist stronghold in Borno State.
The operation, led by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, began on January 16, 2025, and aims to dismantle terrorist enclaves in the region.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the success of the operation, including the elimination of three high-ranking insurgent commanders:
Talha – Terrorist Special Forces Commander
Mallam Umar – Operations Commander
Abu Yazeed – Brigade Commander
Buba said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast conducted a clearance operation targeting the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist enclave.
“During this operation, which began on January 16, troops encountered heavy resistance but successfully neutralized over 70 insurgents, including three key commanders.”
According to Buba, the insurgents used several lethal methods to counter the military offensive, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones.
He said, “The terrorists deployed IEDs, Person-Borne IEDs (suicide bombers), and Vehicle-Borne IEDs (explosive-laden vehicles) in attempts to stop the troops’ advance. However, the soldiers, already familiar with these tactics, repelled the attacks, including shooting down drones used by the insurgents.”
Buba acknowledged the loss of 22 soldiers in the operation, with several others wounded. He appealed to the media to exercise restraint in publishing the names of the fallen soldiers to allow their families to be formally informed.
“Overall, troops sadly recorded 22 killed-in-action casualties with others wounded. We urge the media not to publish the names of the fallen soldiers until their families have been officially notified,” he stated.
The military operation has been widely acknowledged as a significant step in tackling insurgency in Borno State. However, the loss of 22 soldiers has drawn mixed reactions, with many expressing grief and support for the troops.
One commenter said, “Our soldiers are heroes. May their sacrifices never be in vain.”
