By Musa Ali
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained their advance into the Timbuktu Triangle, a known stronghold of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, recording significant operational gains and further degrading insurgent networks in the area.
The troops reportedly killed scores of insurgents during ongoing operations. However, on January 20, 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
Through vigilance and swift response, one of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralised, while the second breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms. In the ensuing encounter, some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives, while others sustained injuries.
The latest development comes barely days after troops overran several terrorist enclaves in the same axis, including the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.
Details of the operation were disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
“In the latest phase of operations, troops successfully cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas,” the statement said.
“During the conduct of these operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with high volumes of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
“On 20 January 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
“Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised. The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms.
“In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries.”
The statement added that the wounded personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms, provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces, neutralising more terrorists in the process,” it said.
In another indication of heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops reportedly discovered mass graves containing about 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their accomplices.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” the statement noted.
It further stated that the security situation across the theatre remains generally stable, with troops maintaining high morale and fighting efficiency.
“Operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements. Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” the statement concluded.
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