Prevents VBIED assaults
By Maiduguri’s Ndahi Marama
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) troops have continued to move into the Timbuktu Triangle, achieving notable operational victories and progressively undermining local terrorist networks.
On January 20, 2026, troops met two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) while consolidating at a harbor area about 6 km north of Chilaria, resulting in the deaths of numerous militants.
One VBIED was successfully neutralized with alertness and prompt action. However, certain logistics systems were impacted by the second VBIED’s breakthrough of the defensive position.
Sadly, some brave soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives in this fierce battle, while others were injured.
Just a few days before, similar troops destroyed terrorist hideouts in Sambisa Forests and other areas along that axis.
This was revealed to journalists in a news release on Wednesday morning by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North East “Operation HADIN KAI.”
“Key terrorist locations throughout the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas, were successfully cleared and taken over by troops during the most recent phase of operations.”
“Troops engaged fleeing terrorist elements with large quantities of fire during these operations, resulting in the neutralization of numerous terrorists.
“On 20 January 2026, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6km North of Chilaria, troops encountered 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED).
One VBIED was successfully neutralized with diligence and prompt action. However, certain logistics systems were impacted by the second VBIED’s breakthrough of the defensive position.
Some brave soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during this attack, while others were injured.
Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters quickly transported the injured to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital. Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component worked in tandem with other Nigerian Army air platforms to offer constant overwatch during the evacuation, ensuring the security of ground personnel and the safe extraction of casualties while neutralizing further terrorists.
“forces found mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies slain during clashes with forces in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their colleagues, further demonstrating the militants’ severe losses.
“This discovery further undermines terrorist propaganda narratives and reveals the extent of terrorist casualties.”
The security situation is largely stable throughout the theater. Operations continue with constant pressure on terrorist elements that are escaping, and troops’ morale and fighting effectiveness remain high.
Uba clarified, “Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore permanent peace and security across the North East.”
