Members of Operation Following a run-in with terrorists during clearance operations in Borno State, Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army reported casualties.
After forces carried out coordinated clearance operations over important terrorist sites in the Timbuktu Triangle, including as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas, the engagement took place on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Joint Task Force North East’s Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the development in a statement released on Wednesday.
The statement claims that during the operations, troops attacked fleeing terrorist groups with sustained firepower and established sporadic contact with them, neutralizing some rebels.
Uba stated, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to advance into the Timbuktu Triangle, recording significant operational gains and further degrading terrorist networks operating within the area.”
He said that two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) were discovered by the military when they were gathering in a harbor area approximately six kilometers north of Chiralia.
One VBIED was successfully neutralized with diligence and prompt action. However, several logistics platforms were impacted by the second, which breached the defensive position, he said.
According to Uba, some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the event, while others were injured.
Nigerian Air Force platforms provided aerial cover as Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters transported the injured men to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
He went on to say that forces later found mass graves that were thought to contain the remains of 20 terrorists who had been slain in earlier conflicts in the Timbuktu Triangle and had been buried by their allies.
According to the army, the findings refuted insurgent propaganda and demonstrated the extent of terrorist organizations’ casualties.
According to Uba, the security situation throughout the theater is still mostly calm, and soldiers’ morale is still strong as operations continue to put pressure on terrorists who are escaping.
The statement went on, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.”
