- It’s major operational gains as troops foil VBIED attacks
In their sustained offensive on the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded significant operational successes to further weaken terrorist networks operating within the area.
According to reports from the OPHK headquarters, these latest gains underscore the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to dismantle insurgent strongholds and restore lasting peace across the country’s North East region
An official statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops have successfully advanced into and dominated key terrorist locations within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
Colonel Uba said that during the operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents.
The statement disclosed that 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).
However, through vigilance and swift response, one of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralised while the second VBIED breached the defensive position and affected some logistics platforms.
The statement further explained that in the course of the incident, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while others sustained injuries.
It also said the wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.
Uba stated that throughout the evacuation process, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, working in close synergy with other Nigerian Army air assets, provided continuous aerial overwatch to ensure the safety of ground forces and facilitate the neutralisation of additional terrorist elements.
Further highlighting the scale of losses suffered by the terrorists, the statement said troops later uncovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts.
The Military said this discovery exposes the extent of terrorist casualties and further undermines insurgent propaganda narratives.
Meanwhile, the Military has assured that across the wider Operational theatre, the security situation remains generally stable with troops’ morale and combat efficiency remaining high as operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements.
This is as the statement reaffirmed that troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring peace and security across the North East geo-political zone.
