22 Soldiers, 70+ Insurgents Killed In Ongoing Military Operation In Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle

Defence Headquarters on Sunday confirmed that 22 soldiers and over 70 insurgents have died in an ongoing military operation in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist stronghold in Borno State.

Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba shared that the operation has involved multiple encounters with insurgents. The operation, led by troops from Operation Hadin Kai, started on Jan. 16 and aims to dismantle terrorist hideouts in the area.

Buba revealed that among the insurgents killed were three high-ranking commanders: the Terrorist Special Forces Commander Talha, the Operations Commander Mallam Umar and the Brigade Commander Abu Yazeed.

"Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the northeast of the country conducted a clearance operation to a renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle. The three-prong operation aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence within the triangle commenced on 16 January 25 and it's ongoing to date," he said, Punch reported.

Buba further mentioned that during the operation, the troops had several encounters with insurgents, resulting in the deaths of over 70 terrorists, including the three commanders.

Buba said that during the operations, the terrorists used various deadly tactics, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones. Despite these efforts, the troops successfully defended themselves, showing tactical superiority.

He explained that the terrorists used different types of explosives, such as IEDs, suicide bombers on foot, and bomb-laden vehicles to try and stop the troops. However, the soldiers, familiar with these tactics, were able to thwart many of the terrorist attempts, including shooting down the drones used by the attackers.

While acknowledging the loss of 22 soldiers, Buba asked the media not to publish the names of the fallen troops until their families had been formally notified. He said that the troops had suffered 22 killed-in-action and several others wounded.

Tinubu earlier this month expressed deep sympathy to the military after six soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on Jan. 4, 2025, at an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State. At least 40 farmers were killed in an attack by armed groups.

Fighters from Boko Haram and its ISIS-affiliated group, ISWAP (Islamic State of West African Province), were suspected of carrying out the attack, according to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and State Information Commissioner Usman Tar.

Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009 to fight against Western education and impose its version of Islamic law. The United Nations reports that around 35,000 civilians have been killed, and more than two million people have been displaced in the northeastern region due to the violence.