Around 20 terrorists killed in operations across Borno State’s Timbuktu Triangle have been found buried in a mass grave, the Nigerian Army reported on Wednesday.
The discovery was announced by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Lt.-Col. Sani Uba. The graveswere reportedly dug by surviving terrorist elements.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives”, Uba said, while outlining recent successes. Troops have cleared and secured key terrorist strongholds, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
During the operations, soldiers engaged fleeing terrorists with sustained fire, neutralising several in the process. On Tuesday, while consolidating a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). One was neutralised, while the second breached defensive positions, causing casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Injured personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, with Nigerian Air Force platforms providing continuous overwatch.
In a separate operation in the northwest, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Spokesman for Joint Task Force Operation FASAN YAMMA, said troops neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 hostages from Munhaye Forest in Zamfara, a hideout of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti. The rescued victims are now in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Uba also noted that intelligence gathering, coordination with local vigilante groups, and the use of air and ground assets have been crucial to recent successes, helping to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent further attacks on communities.
“These operations demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and bandit networks, securing communities, and protecting civilians”, Osoba added, noting that the military will continue coordinated efforts with allied security forces to ensure lasting peace and stability in the affected regions.
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