An intense clash between the Nigerian Military and terrorists in Borno State has led to the death of 22 soldiers and the neutralization of over 70 insurgents, including three high-ranking terrorist commanders.

This development was disclosed on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, in an official statement. The encounter occurred in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a stronghold of terrorist activity in Borno State.

The operation, conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, commenced on January 16, 2025, with the objective of dismantling terrorist enclaves within the region. According to Maj. Gen. Buba, the clearance operation involved multiple engagements with insurgents, resulting in significant gains for the military.

He stated:
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast conducted a clearance operation targeting a renowned terrorist stronghold known as the Timbuktu Triangle. The three-pronged offensive aimed to dismantle terrorist activities in the area began on January 16, 2025, and is ongoing.”

During the encounters, the military neutralized over 70 insurgents, including three key commanders:

Talha (Terrorist Special Forces Commander)
Mallam Umar (Operations Commander)
Abu Yazeed (Brigade Commander)

Maj. Gen. Buba detailed how the terrorists deployed various lethal tactics, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones, to halt the military’s advance. However, the troops, well-versed in such methods, successfully repelled the attacks.

He explained:
“During the operations, the terrorists deployed improvised explosive devices, person-borne IEDs (suicide bombers), and vehicle-borne IEDs (explosive-laden vehicles) in an attempt to hinder the troops’ progress. Additionally, they employed amateur drones, which were shot down by the troops.”

Despite the military’s successes, the operation came at a cost. “Troops sadly recorded 22 killed-in-action casualties with several others wounded. The media is urged to refrain from publishing the names of the fallen soldiers until their families have been formally notified,” Buba said.

The killing of Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed marks a significant blow to the leadership structure of the terrorist group, potentially disrupting their operational strategies. Military analysts have hailed the operation as a critical step in weakening the insurgency in the region.

Operation Hadin Kai continues to target terrorist strongholds across the Northeast, aiming to restore stability to the region. Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation while urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

The loss of 22 soldiers serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces in their fight against terrorism. Citizens and community leaders have been encouraged to honor the memory of the fallen heroes by supporting the military’s efforts to secure the nation.

This operation underscores the complexities of combating insurgency in regions like the Timbuktu Triangle and highlights the Nigerian military’s determination to overcome these challenges in pursuit of lasting peace.

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that a deadly explosion in the Sabon Pegi area of the Mashegu Local Government Area on Sunday was caused by dynamite stored in a residential building.

According to a statement from the police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion claimed the life of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to the General Hospital Kainji, New Bussa, for treatment.

“The explosion of dynamites occurred in densely populated residential buildings in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday,” Abiodun said. “The suspected dynamites were stored in a residential house by one Yushau for a purported mining activity.”

Abiodun also disclosed that the blast affected around 12 houses in the vicinity, causing extensive damage to properties.

In light of the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances leading to the explosion.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a fuel tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje-Minna road, further heightening concerns over public safety in the state.

The Anambra State Police operatives attached to Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested four suspects including a 21-year-old lady, Chinenye Ekwenugo from Ifitedunu over the burning of a 74 (seventy-four) years old woman in a wheelchair at Abagana.

The three other suspects, as confirmed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga include, Uzochukwu Okeke ‘m’ aged 47, Fidel Anayo ‘m’ aged 60 and Ikenna Anene ‘m’ aged 54 years respectively, all from Abagana.

“The Operatives also recovered the burnt remains of the deceased, the wheelchair, and a casket. During interrogation by the Police Operatives, the suspect, Chinenye confessed that her boyfriend Ifeanyi Igwe who is currently at large and three others set the victim ablaze and got a casket to bury her before the intervention of the security operatives”.

According to Ikenga, the Operatives have also initiated moves to arrest the main suspect Ifeanyi Igwe who is currently on the run.

“The body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy and further probe of the cause of the death. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam while reacting to the report of the incident sued for calm and ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Command for a comprehensive investigation. Further developments shall be communicated, please” Ikenga stated.