Nigerian troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have intensified pressure on insurgent groups in Borno State, forcing armed fighters into retreat after a series of coordinated ground offensives.
The latest push followed a sweeping clearance exercise that targeted long-standing militant enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious corridor used by terrorist factions to regroup and launch attacks.
Military sources said the operation stretched across multiple flashpoints, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the wider Ajigin–Abirma axis, areas previously identified as logistics and transit hubs for insurgents.
Providing an update, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said troops maintained momentum despite stiff resistance from fleeing fighters.
According to him, “Our forces advanced with precision and dominance, breaking the terrorists’ defensive lines and disrupting their movement patterns.”
However, the operation was not without cost. During consolidation efforts north of Chiralia, troops reportedly intercepted two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
While one was successfully neutralised, the second breached defensive positions, damaging logistics assets.
“As a result of that incident, we lost some brave soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while others sustained injuries in the line of duty,” Uba said, describing the casualties as a painful but resolute sacrifice.
Meanwhile, injured personnel were swiftly evacuated through coordinated air operations involving Nigerian Army Aviation and the Air Force.
Military officials noted that continuous aerial surveillance ensured safe evacuation and prevented further enemy advances.
More strikingly, troops later uncovered mass graves containing around 20 bodies believed to be insurgents killed during earlier engagements.
Security officials said the discovery highlights the scale of losses suffered by terrorist groups, despite their public claims of strength.
“This finding clearly contradicts the propaganda being pushed by these groups and underscores the effectiveness of ongoing military pressure,” the army spokesman added.
Across the wider North-East theatre, the military said security conditions remain relatively stable.
Troops are continuing sustained operations, with commanders insisting that morale remains high and the mission to dismantle terrorist networks is firmly on course.
Operation Hadin Kai, the army reiterated, remains focused on civilian protection, territorial control, and restoring lasting peace to communities affected by years of insurgency.