Nigerian troops encountered deadly terrorists in their strong holds and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle in North East this weekend resulting in killing of 70 terrorists and three of their commanders..
But sadly, the encounters also led the death of gallant soldiers in the course of the operations, “troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action”, a statement by Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba stated on Sunday.
This occurred when “troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East of the country conducted clearance Operation to renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.
“The three prong operation was aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence with triangle and commenced on 16 Jan was till date January 25 “
The Director said that “troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which result in over 70 terrorists combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized the sadly.
“The terrorist commanders neutralised include and is not limited to the following : TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander).”
“During the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices( IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.
“Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted the several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist.
The Director said that “overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action.”
“On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters also said the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course.