A Boko Haram attack in Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle killed five soldiers, injured others, and damaged military vehicles during ongoing clearance operations.
A deadly Boko Haram attack claimed the lives of five soldiers in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State on Tuesday, as a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a returning military convoy.
Several other troops sustained injuries in the attack, highlighting the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region.
Security sources confirmed that two senior officers—a major and a lieutenant—were among those affected during the strike. One army officer, who requested anonymity, said,
“Every operation comes with challenges, but we continue. Unfortunately, we lost five of our brave soldiers in this incident. Manga, our Commander, is unharmed, and operations continue as planned.”
The attack took place shortly after the troops had completed a clearance operation targeting multiple insurgent camps.
These operations had successfully neutralized several terrorists and dismantled enemy positions across the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists used a vehicle loaded with explosives to ram directly into the convoy, resulting in extensive damage to both armoured and logistics vehicles deployed for offensive and defensive maneuvers.
“The attack caused significant destruction to military equipment that was crucial in our ongoing weeks-long operations,” one soldier explained.
“Despite these setbacks, our resolve remains unshaken, and the troops continue to secure the region.”
Following the attack, the corpses of the fallen soldiers were immediately airlifted to Maiduguri, while those injured were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that all necessary precautions were in place during the evacuation, with aviation units providing continuous overwatch to ensure the safety of both the ground forces and the medical teams.
The deadly incident comes just a day after the Joint Task Force North East, operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), successfully cleared multiple terrorist camps and foiled drone-based attacks in the area.
Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, confirmed that arms and equipment were recovered from insurgents during the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, which has focused on dismantling Boko Haram strongholds and restoring security across Borno State.
In a detailed account, Lt.-Col. Uba explained that while consolidating at a harbour area approximately six kilometers north of Chilaria, troops encountered two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).
Vigilant actions by the soldiers successfully neutralized one of the VBIEDs, but the second managed to breach the defensive line, striking several logistics platforms and causing casualties among both military personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
“The bravery of our troops and CJTF members cannot be overstated,” Lt.-Col. Uba said.
“Some paid the ultimate price, while others were injured. Prompt evacuation by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters ensured the wounded were taken to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for urgent treatment.”
He added that Nigerian Air Force platforms worked in close coordination with army aviation units, providing continuous protection to guarantee safe extraction while ground forces continued neutralizing terrorist threats.
Military officials reiterated that the Boko Haram attack underscores the insurgents’ persistent attempts to disrupt security operations, yet also highlighted the resilience and preparedness of Nigerian forces.
“While these incidents are tragic, they serve as reminders of the high stakes involved in combating terrorism,” said a security source.
“Our operations continue with full commitment to securing civilians and restoring peace across affected areas.”
The Nigerian Army confirmed that both armoured and logistics vehicles destroyed in the attack were integral to ongoing operations in the Timbuktu Triangle.
These vehicles had been deployed to support clearance missions, surveillance, and rapid response in areas previously dominated by insurgents.
The loss of equipment, while significant, has not deterred troops from pursuing further missions to dismantle terrorist networks.
The Boko Haram attack marks another violent attempt to challenge the progress made by Operation HADIN KAI.
Since its launch, the operation has successfully cleared multiple camps, neutralized terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition, and strengthened cooperation between Nigerian Army, Air Force, and local Civilian Joint Task Force units.
Despite the occasional loss of personnel, military authorities insist that continued operations will weaken insurgent capacities and prevent further attacks on civilians and soldiers alike.
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