Over 20 Insurgents Killed as Military Overuns Stronghold in Timbuktu Triangle
Over 20 Insurgents Killed as Military Overuns Stronghold in Timbuktu Triangle
A counter-insurgency operation in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully eliminated over 20 terrorists.
The military disclosed that the fierce encounter occurred during an aggressive advance into known insurgent enclaves, including Tergejeri and Ajigin.
The operation is part of a sustained effort to dismantle the remnants of terrorist networks that have long used the area as a stronghold.
The Joint Task Force North East reported that the victory was bittersweet, as several brave soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme price during the battle.
The encounter turned particularly deadly when the troops, while consolidating their position, were targeted by two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Although one was neutralized, the second breached the defensive line, causing casualties and damaging logistics.
Despite the losses, the military recorded significant breakthroughs, later discovering mass graves containing the bodies of roughly 20 terrorists. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the operation, these bodies belonged to insurgents killed in previous clashes and buried by their retreating comrades.
He noted that the discovery exposes the true scale of the casualties suffered by the insurgents, contrary to their propaganda.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Army Aviation played a critical role in the aftermath, providing continuous air overwatch and executing the emergency evacuation of wounded personnel.
The injured soldiers and CJTF members were airlifted to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.
The synergy between the air and ground components ensured that the remaining troops could maintain their momentum without further successful enemy interference.
Following the encounter, the military reaffirmed its resolve to restore lasting peace to the North-east. While the security situation across the theatre remains stable, high-level operations continue to pressure fleeing terrorists and protect civilian populations.
The military leadership praised the high morale of the troops and vowed that the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes would not be in vain as they work to clear the remaining enclaves.
