The Nigerian military announced on Sunday that troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed over 70 terrorists, including three notorious commanders, during a clearance operation in the Timbuktu Triangle, a fortified terrorist enclave in the North-East.
The military identified the slain commanders as Talha, the terrorist special forces commander; Mallam Umar, the terrorist operations commander; and Abu Yazeed, the terrorist brigade commander.
In a statement issued by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military also confirmed the loss of 22 soldiers during the intense encounter. The statement urged media outlets to refrain from publishing the names of the fallen troops to allow their families to be formally notified.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East operational theatre conducted a clearance operation in the well-known terrorist stronghold, the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement read.
According to Buba, the operation, which began on January 16, is a three-pronged offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist activities in the area. The troops engaged in multiple encounters with the terrorists, leading to significant casualties on the enemy side.
“The terrorist commanders neutralized include Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed,” the statement added.
During the operation, the terrorists reportedly employed various tactics, including the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drone technology, to resist the military’s advance. However, troops were able to counter these measures effectively, even shooting down drones deployed by the terrorists.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed-in-action casualties, with several others wounded,” Buba said.
He emphasized the need for media discretion in handling sensitive information about troop casualties and promised to provide updates on the ongoing operation in due course.
