Operation HADIN KAI: Troops eliminate three notorious terrorist commanders, neutralise over 70 insurgents

The Nigerian military has disclosed that three notorious terrorist commanders have been killed and over 70 insurgents neutralised during the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI in the North East region of the country.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. According to the statement, troops launched a decisive assault on terrorist strongholds and recorded multiple successful encounters during clearance operations, leading to significant achievements in the campaign.

The statement read in part: “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East of the country conducted a clearance operation targeting the well-known terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle. The three-pronged operation, aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence within the triangle, commenced on 16 January 2025 and is ongoing.

“During the operation, troops engaged in several encounters with terrorists, resulting in the neutralisation of over 70 combatants, including three notable commanders. The neutralised commanders include TALHA (Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Operations Commander), and ABU YAZEED (Brigade Commander).”

The statement further revealed that the terrorists employed various tactics, including the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers), and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive-laden vehicles) to repel advancing troops.

However, familiar with these tactics, the troops successfully thwarted several attempts, including shooting down amateur drones deployed by the insurgents.

Regrettably, the military reported that 22 soldiers lost their lives in the operation, with several others wounded.

The statement also urged the media to exercise caution, stating: “The media is advised to refrain from publishing the names of fallen troops to allow for the formal notification of their next of kin.”

The military concluded by noting that the operation remains ongoing and assured the public that further updates would be provided in due course.