The troops of the Nigerian Military deployed to the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have cleared and denied freedom of action to members of the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in the Tubuktu Triangle general area.
The theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Lt Col Sani Uba, said “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained their advance into the Timbuktu Triangle, recording significant operational gains and further degrading terrorist networks operating within the area..
“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.
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”, the Military said.
The theatre Command further said, “On 20 January 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED).
Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised. The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms.”
The OPHK said howeveri 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 further said the wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, adding that 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.
In a further indication of the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives”, the statement said.
The theatre assured that the security situation remains generally stable, adding that Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, and operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements.
They also assured that they remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
