Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant operational successes in the ongoing clearance operations within the Timbuktu Triangle, further degrading terrorist networks and disrupting their capacity to launch attacks in the North East.
In the latest phase of the offensive, troops advanced deep into key terrorist strongholds, successfully clearing and dominating areas around Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas. During the operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with heavy volumes of fire, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists.
On 20 January 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. The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, impacting some logistics platforms.
In the course of the attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries. 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 assets, provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties. Ground forces exploited the situation to neutralise additional terrorist elements.
Further highlighting the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops later discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during earlier encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts. The discovery underscores the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits insurgent propaganda narratives.
Confirming the development in a press statement, the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, stated that the security situation across the theatre remains generally stable. He noted that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, with sustained pressure being maintained on fleeing terrorist elements.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, he added, remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
