Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained a major offensive push into the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State, recording significant operational gains and inflicting heavy losses on terrorist groups operating in the area, the Nigerian Army has said.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), said troops successfully cleared and dominated key terrorist strongholds, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
According to him, the advancing troops made contact with fleeing terrorists during the operations and engaged them decisively.
“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,” Uba said.
He disclosed that on January 20, 2026, while troops were consolidating at a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria, they 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,” he stated.
Uba said the attack led to casualties among troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
“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,” he said.
He added that the injured personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, while Nigerian Air Force platforms provided aerial overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces.
In a further blow to the insurgents, the army said troops later uncovered mass graves in the Timbuktu Triangle containing an estimated 20 bodies of terrorists killed during previous encounters.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” Uba noted.
He said the overall security situation across the North East theatre remained generally stable, with troop morale and fighting efficiency described as high.
“Operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” the statement added.
Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency operation targeting terrorist groups in the North East region.
