Bello Alhassan, North
• Gallant troops neutralize over 60 terrorists, dismantle key camps in Timbuktu Triangle
• ISWAP brigade commander, RPG trainer, women leader among those killed
• Military dismisses alleged attack on barrack as fake news
DAILY COURIER - Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have made significant gains in the ongoing battle against insurgents in the North-East, achieving a decisive victory in the Timbuktu Triangle. The operation, tagged Desert Sanity IV, commenced on January 16, 2025, with the aim of eradicating terrorist enclaves and restoring peace to the region.
In a daring onslaught, troops dislodged insurgents from strongholds in Jemyeri, Abulam, Agum, and Digamari. Notably, an ISWAP training camp at Garin Baban Alhassan was completely destroyed, with 18 terrorists neutralized, including three top commanders: Talha, the ISWAP women leader; Mallam Umar, the RPG trainer; and Abu Yazeed, the ISWAP Brigade Commander.
The operation peaked on January 22, when troops of the 199 SF Battalion and Combat Teams 6 and 8 converged at Gardiri for a final assault. In precursor raids, terrorist camps at Burbur, Lamisuri, Kassachia, and Buk were decimated, leaving the insurgents disoriented and fleeing.
However, the operation was not without tragedy. On January 24, in a desperate counterattack, terrorists launched a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) at the troops' harbor position in Gardiri. The attack claimed the lives of a commanding officer, two officers, and several brave soldiers, while 20 others sustained injuries.
Despite this setback, the operation achieved significant results. Over 60 terrorists were neutralized, and a cache of weapons and equipment was recovered, including 14 AK-47 rifles, six RPG tubes, 24 AK-47 magazines, 18 motorcycles, and other items.
In response to the VBIED attack, military authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of the operation to ensure a successful re-launch. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has debunked reports of terrorist activity in Malam Fatori, clarifying that the only incident occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
As the nation mourns its fallen heroes, the military reaffirms its commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace. “May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. Adieu, gallant warriors!”
In July, seven troops were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in a village where the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is active.
The 15-year-old conflict has killed 40,000 and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.
The violence spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, leading to the creation of a regional force to fight the militants.
The North-East continues to rely on the resilience and bravery of its troops, as they fight to safeguard the region from the scourge of insurgency.
