The Nigerian military has confirmed the loss of 22 soldiers during an intensive clearance operation targeting a notorious terrorist enclave in the Timbuktu Triangle of the North-East region. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the operation, which began on January 16, 2025, aimed to dismantle entrenched terrorist networks that have plagued the region for years.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, detailed the challenges encountered during the mission, which was designed as a three-pronged assault to dislodge terrorist forces. Despite facing strong resistance, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones, the military succeeded in neutralizing over 70 terrorists, including prominent commanders such as Talha, the Terrorist Special Forces Commander; Mallam Umar, the Operations Commander; and Abu Yazeed, the Brigade Commander.
Buba highlighted the resilience of the troops, who demonstrated advanced tactical expertise in overcoming the threats posed by the terrorist forces. The terrorists deployed various countermeasures, including vehicle-borne and person-borne IEDs, to hinder the military’s progress. However, the troops, well-versed in such tactics, thwarted multiple terrorist attempts and even brought down drones used by the militants for surveillance and attacks.
The operation underscores the enduring threat posed by insurgents in the region. The ongoing 15-year conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced around two million people in North-East Nigeria. The violence, driven by groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has also spilled into neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the creation of a regional force to combat the insurgency.
In a related incident in July 2024, seven soldiers lost their lives when their vehicle struck a landmine in a village where ISWAP operates actively. Despite these losses, the Nigerian military remains committed to addressing the insurgency and restoring stability.
The Defence Headquarters expressed determination to continue dismantling terrorist strongholds while honoring the sacrifices made by the troops in the line of duty. This operation highlights both the challenges and the progress in the ongoing battle against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.
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