Operation HADIN KAI has recorded fresh gains as troops uncovered a terrorist mass grave in Borno while coordinated operations rescued hostages and disrupted terror networks.
Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign recorded significant breakthroughs this week as troops under Operation HADIN KAI uncovered a mass grave in Borno State and neutralised fleeing terrorist elements during sustained operations in the Timbuktu Triangle.
The discovery, confirmed by the Joint Task Force North East, revealed the remains of about 20 terrorists believed to have been killed during recent encounters with Nigerian troops.
Military authorities said the mass burial site was uncovered during clearance and consolidation operations aimed at denying insurgents freedom of movement and dismantling their remaining enclaves.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, explained that the mass grave was deliberately concealed by terrorist fighters attempting to hide the scale of their losses from both their commanders and the public.
According to him, the finding offers clear evidence of the sustained pressure being applied on insurgent groups operating in the region.
He noted that terrorist casualties have continued to rise as troops maintain offensive operations across strategic locations within the Timbuktu Triangle.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba further stated that the troops have successfully cleared and dominated several key areas previously used by terrorists as transit routes and staging grounds.
Locations including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin–Abirma general area were brought under firm military control following coordinated ground and air operations.
He said that during the clearance exercise, troops made repeated contact with fleeing insurgents, engaging them decisively and neutralising several fighters who attempted to resist or escape the advancing forces.
These actions, he added, have significantly degraded the operational capacity of the terrorists in the area.
While consolidating at a temporary harbour position approximately six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
Through vigilance and rapid response, one of the explosive-laden vehicles was successfully neutralised before it could reach its target.
The second VBIED, however, managed to breach the defensive perimeter, impacting some logistics assets.
In the incident, some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives while bravely defending their positions, while others sustained injuries.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba said the wounded personnel were immediately evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
He added that Nigerian Air Force aircraft provided continuous aerial surveillance and protection throughout the evacuation process, ensuring the safety of ground forces and enabling troops to continue engaging hostile elements.
He stressed that the discovery of the mass grave further exposes the false narratives often pushed by terrorist groups to exaggerate their strength and downplay their losses.
According to him, Operation HADIN KAI remains focused on eliminating all remaining threats and restoring lasting peace to the North East.
Meanwhile, similar operational successes were recorded in the North West under Operation FASAN YAMMA, highlighting the nationwide momentum against terrorism and banditry.
In a separate statement, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed that troops of Sector 2 neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi State during a targeted operation.
He also confirmed the rescue of 62 kidnapped victims from Munhaye Forest in Zamfara State.
Osoba explained that the operations were carried out in close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, reflecting a unified approach to tackling insecurity in the region.
According to him, troops stormed Munhaye Forest following actionable intelligence that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Alti, was holding several captives in the area.
The swift operation led to the successful rescue of all 62 hostages without resistance.
The rescued victims have since been placed in safe custody, while arrangements are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Security forces have also intensified patrols in the surrounding areas to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements.
Osoba said the recent operations demonstrate the resolve of security forces to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks, protect vulnerable communities, and restore confidence among residents affected by years of violence.
He added that both Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FASAN YAMMA remain committed to sustained offensive actions, intelligence-led operations, and cooperation with local communities as part of a broader strategy to achieve lasting security across Nigeria.
Military authorities urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical to defeating terrorism and banditry nationwide.
Ireport247news
