Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant operational successes in the ongoing military offensive within the Timbuktu Triangle, dealing fresh blows to terrorist networks operating in the area.
According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops sustained their advance in the latest phase of operations, successfully clearing and dominating key terrorist locations around Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas. He said troops made contact with fleeing terrorist elements during the operations and engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
Lt. Col. Uba further disclosed that on 20 January 2026, while troops were consolidating at a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria, they encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). He explained that through vigilance and swift action, one of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralised, while the second breached the defensive position and affected some logistics platforms. In the incident, some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries.
He added that the wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, with Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component providing continuous aerial overwatch in synergy with other Nigerian Army air assets to ensure the safety of ground troops.
In another major breakthrough, Lt. Col. Uba revealed that troops uncovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during previous encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts, exposing the scale of losses suffered by the terrorists and further discrediting their propaganda narratives.
Across the Theatre of Operations, he noted that the security situation remains generally stable, with troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remaining high as sustained pressure continues on fleeing terrorist elements. Operation HADIN KAI, he reaffirmed, remains resolute in its commitment to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
