The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the loss of 22 soldiers and the deaths of over 70 insurgents during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the “Timbuktu Triangle,” located in Borno State, Northern Nigeria. The region has been a key focus for military efforts to eliminate terrorist strongholds.
In a statement released on Sunday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, provided an update on the situation. The clashes took place as part of Operation Hadin Kai, a large-scale military offensive aimed at eradicating terrorist enclaves in the region.

The operation, which began on January 16, 2025, is being executed across three main fronts. Among the insurgents killed were three high-ranking commanders: Talha, the leader of the terrorist group’s special forces; Mallam Umar, the operations commander; and Abu Yazeed, the brigade commander.
The insurgents deployed various deadly tactics during the engagement, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and drones to impede the military’s progress.
Major General Buba also requested that the identities of the fallen soldiers be withheld from the media until their families are notified, out of respect for their privacy.
The operation is ongoing, as Nigerian forces continue to face resistance from well-armed insurgents in a region that has seen persistent violence in recent years.