Operation Hadin Kai forces have cleared the Timbuktu Triangle, a terrorist enclave in Borno, of 70 militants and their leaders, according to the Defense Headquarters.
“The troops launched a three-pronged operation on Jan. 16 aimed at dismantling the terrorist within the triangle,” said Edward Buba, head of Defense Media Operations, in a statement on Sunday.
According to Major-General Mr. Buba, the troops documented multiple run-ins with terrorists throughout the clearance operations, which led to the deaths of more than 70 of them, including three prominent commanders.
“Terrorist Special Forces Commander Talha, Terrorist Operations Commander Malam Umar, and Terrorist Brigade Commander Abu Yazeed were among the terrorist commanders that were neutralized,” he said.
“During the operations, the terrorists used Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers), and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to prevent troops from advancing and attacking.”
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He claimed that troops who were previously versed with terrorist techniques had stopped multiple terrorist efforts, including taking down the attackers’ amateur drones.
However, Mr. Buba declared that throughout the operations, 22 soldiers lost their lives and numerous more were injured.
In light of this, the media is prohibited from releasing the names of troop victims in order to provide their next of kin official notice.
“The operation is ongoing overall, and the public will be informed of any new developments as they occur,” he continued.
