A deadly confrontation between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram fighters during an operation in parts of Borno State has left fatalities on both sides.
The operations were conducted on Tuesday across multiple insurgent enclaves, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma axis, following coordinated clearance efforts by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
The clash came after sustained pressure on fleeing insurgents, with troops engaging hostile elements during a broader offensive aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks and disrupting their movement corridors.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, said the troops recorded “significant operational gains” despite suffering casualties.
According to Uba, several Boko Haram fighters were neutralised during exchanges with troops.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have sustained their advance into the Timbuktu Triangle, further degrading terrorist networks operating within the area,” he said.
“During the latest phase of the operation, our forces cleared and dominated key terrorist locations, forcing insurgents to flee under pressure.”
He explained that while consolidating their positions on January 20, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). One explosive was successfully neutralised, while the second breached defensive lines and damaged some logistics platforms.
“In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries,” Uba said.
He added that injured personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment, with air assets providing constant cover to prevent further attacks.
Furthermore, Uba revealed that troops later uncovered mass graves believed to contain about 20 Boko Haram fighters killed during earlier encounters and buried by their colleagues.
“This discovery exposes the extent of terrorist casualties and further discredits their propaganda,” he said, adding that the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable, with troops maintaining high morale and sustained operational momentum.
