Dozens Killed in Fierce Gunfight Between Soldiers and Terrorists at Timbuktu Triangle

Following a gunfight between the criminal elements and the soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), several terrorists were killed.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

He claimed that important terrorist sites throughout the triangle, including as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the broader Ajigin/Abirma districts, were successfully cleansed and taken over by the forces.

He continued by saying that numerous terrorists were neutralized as a result of soldiers engaging fleeing terrorist forces with heavy fire throughout the operation.

Some brave troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were reportedly killed during the operation, while others were injured.

While confirming the losses, Uba stated in the statement that some soldiers were killed and injured when terrorists used Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) to breach the defensive position.

He confirmed that the injured individuals were successfully transported to the hospital, where they are undergoing treatment, and that the troops’ morale is still good.

“Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) troops have continued to move into the Timbuktu Triangle, making notable operational progress and significantly undermining terrorist networks in the region. Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general regions were among the important terrorist locations in the triangle that soldiers successfully cleared and took control of during the most recent phase of operations. Several terrorists were neutralized as a result of the army’ sporadic encounters with escaping terrorist members and their intense gunfire.

On January 20, 2026, forces came across two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) while consolidating at a harbor area around six kilometers north of Chilaria. 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. 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 finding significantly 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. The complete statement states, “OPHK troops are unwavering in their resolve to defend civilians, destroy terrorist networks, and establish enduring peace and security throughout the North East.”