The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of 22 soldiers and over 70 insurgents during an ongoing military operation in the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist stronghold in Borno State.
The operation, conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, began on January 27, 2025, and has focused on dismantling terrorist enclaves in the region.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the operation has resulted in several encounters with insurgents, including the neutralization of three high-ranking commanders: Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed.
Buba stated that the terrorists employed various lethal tactics, including Improvised Explosive Devices, suicide bombers, and drones. However, troops successfully repelled these attempts, demonstrating tactical superiority.
The Defence Headquarters acknowledged the loss of 22 soldiers and appealed for restraint from the media in publishing the names of fallen troops to allow formal notification of their families.