Troops Kill 70 Terrorists As 22 Soldiers Pay Supreme Price In Borno

No fewer than 70 terrorists were neutralized by Nigerian troops, while 22 soldiers lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with insurgents in Borno State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Sunday.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, stationed in the North-East, carried out clearance operations in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle—a well-known terrorists’ stronghold and enclave.

Buba explained that the ongoing operation, which began on January 16, 2025, is aimed at dismantling terrorist presence within the region.

“Troops encountered several engagements with terrorists during the clearance operations, resulting in the neutralization of over 70 terrorists, including three notable commanders,” he said.

He identified the slain commanders as Mallam Umar, the Terrorist Special Forces Commander; Abu Yazeed, the Terrorist Brigade Commander; and the Terrorist Operations Commander.

General Buba further noted that the terrorists deployed various tactics, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and explosive-laden vehicles to hinder the troops’ progress. However, the troops successfully thwarted several attacks, including shooting down drones operated by the insurgents.

Sadly, 22 soldiers were killed in action, and several others were injured during the operation.

“Overall, 22 soldiers lost their lives in action, and several others were wounded,” Buba said, expressing sorrow over the heavy casualties.

He also urged the media to refrain from publishing the names of fallen soldiers to allow for proper notification of their next of kin.