The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced a significant operation in the North East, targeting the notorious Timbuktu Triangle terrorist stronghold.
According to Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a statement on Sunday, the operation, code-named HADIN KAI, commenced on January 16, 2025.
He said the operation has resulted in the neutralization of 70 terrorist combatants, including three high-ranking commanders: Talha, the Special Forces Commander; Mallam Umar, the Operations Commander; and Abu Yazeed, the Brigade Commander.
Unfortunately, the operation came at a cost, with 22 personnel killed and several others wounded. The Defence Headquarters acknowledged the sacrifices made by the troops and emphasized their commitment to combating terrorism in the region.
However, according to Major General Buba, the military takes pride in risking their lives for the safety of the country, regardless of their religious affiliations.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East of the country conducted clearance Operation to renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement noted. “The three pronged operation aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence with triangle commenced on 16 Jan 25 till date.
“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which result in over 70 terrorists combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized.
“The terrorist commanders neutralised include and are not limited to the following: TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander).
“Meanwhile during the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.
“Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted the several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action.”
The Defence Headquarters, however, pleaded with the media to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.
“On the whole, the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course,” it added.
SaharaReporters on Saturday reported that terrorists had killed over 20 Nigerian Army personnel, with many still missing following an attack in the North East.