Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered a mass grave in the Timbuktu Triangle containing the remains of 20 terrorists, further underscoring the scale of losses suffered by insurgent groups during recent military operations in the area.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who said the discovery followed sustained engagements between troops and fleeing terrorist elements across the volatile zone.
“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,” Uba said.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives”.
According to the statement, the latest phase of operations saw troops successfully clear and establish dominance over key terrorist strongholds within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas. During these advances, soldiers repeatedly came into contact with retreating insurgents and engaged them with intense firepower, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters.
“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 explained.
He further revealed 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. Due to alertness and rapid response by the soldiers on ground, one of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralised before it could cause significant damage.
“Also On 20 January 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED). Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralized,” the statement noted.
Lt. Col. Uba also confirmed that the operations were not without cost, as some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives in the line of duty, while others sustained injuries during the encounters. He said the wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.
Throughout the evacuation process, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, working in close coordination with other Nigerian Army air assets, provided constant aerial cover to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and continued protection of ground forces, who went on to neutralise additional terrorist elements.
Despite the challenges, Uba maintained that the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable, noting that troop morale and combat effectiveness are high as operations continue against insurgents attempting to escape military pressure.
“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, and operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements,” he stated.
What you should know
The discovery of a mass grave in the Timbuktu Triangle highlights the intensity of recent military operations against insurgents in the North-East.
While the operations have inflicted heavy losses on terrorist groups and disrupted their activities, they have also come at a cost, with security personnel and civilian allies paying the ultimate sacrifice.
The military says it remains committed to maintaining pressure and restoring lasting security in the region.
