Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified military operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, targeting key terrorist hideouts in Borno State.
The operation focused on clearing and holding areas long linked to insurgent activities within the axis.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesman of the operation, said troops successfully cleared Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin and Abirma areas during the latest phase.
He said troops encountered fleeing terrorist elements during the advance and engaged them in combat.
Several terrorists were neutralized during the encounters, according to the military.
On January 20, 2026, troops consolidating at a harbor area about six kilometers north of Chilaria came under threat from two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices.
One of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralized by troops.
The second device breached the defensive position and damaged some logistics platforms.
The incident led to the death of some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while others sustained injuries.
The injured personnel were evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.
Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, working with Nigerian Army air assets, provided air cover during the evacuation.
The air platforms also supported ground troops during follow-on engagements in the area.
During the operation, troops discovered mass graves containing about 20 bodies of terrorists.
The bodies were believed to be fighters killed during earlier clashes and buried by their associates.
The military said operations are ongoing across the theatre to dismantle terrorist networks and strengthen security in the North East.
