Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of about 20 terrorists killed during military operations in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

The discovery followed sustained clearance operations by troops in the terror-infested axis.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt-Col Sani Uba, said the mass grave was evidence of the heavy casualties being suffered by terrorists during ongoing military offensives...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

“In a further indication of the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts,” Uba said.

He added that the discovery further undermined propaganda by terror groups.

“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” he stated.

The statement noted that troops have continued to dominate key terrorist strongholds across the Timbuktu Triangle.

According to Uba, areas such as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas have been cleared and brought under military control.

During the operations, troops reportedly made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with heavy firepower, leading to the neutralisation of several insurgents.

Uba disclosed that while consolidating their positions on Tuesday at a harbour area about six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

“Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised,” he said.

However, the second VBIED breached the troops’ defensive position.

“The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position affecting 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 added.

The injured personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

Uba said the evacuation was supported by Nigerian Air Force platforms, which provided aerial overwatch to ensure the safety of ground troops and facilitate further engagements with fleeing terrorists.

“Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Airforce platforms from the Air Component in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces neutralising more terrorists in the process,” he said.

In a related development, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FASAN YAMMA, have neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 kidnapped victims in Zamfara State.

The spokesman of the operation, Lt-Col Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes.

Osoba disclosed that troops stormed Munhaye Forest in Zamfara, a known hideout of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti, following intelligence reports that hostages were being held in the area.

“The mission led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody. Efforts are ongoing to reunite the freed hostages with their families,” he said.

Osoba said the successes recorded highlighted the determination of the military and its partners to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks.

“These operations underscore the relentless efforts of Operation FASAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle terrorist networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region,” he added.

The military said operations across the North-East and North-West theatres remain ongoing.