Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Joint Taskforce North-East have discovered mass graves containing bodies of about 20 terrorists killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their fighters.
In a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer, OPHK disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, said the discovery exposed the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorists’ propaganda narratives.
Uba noted that troops of OPHK sustained their advance into the Timbuktu Triangle, recording significant operational gains and further degrading terrorist networks operating within the area.
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He said in the latest phase of operations, troops successfully cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas, adding that during the conduct of these operations.
He said 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 on January 20, 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), adding that through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised.
He said the second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms.
“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. The wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
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“Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms, provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces neutralising more terrorists in the process.
“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. This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives, ”Uba said.
He noted that across the Theatre, the security situation remains generally stable, saying that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, and operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements.
“Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” he further said.
