Mass grave discovered by military troops in Timbuktu Triangle
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered mass graves containing dozens of terrorist bodies in the Timbuktu Triangle, in what military authorities described as a clear indication of the heavy losses suffered by insurgents during recent encounters with Nigerian forces.
The discovery followed sustained offensive operations in key terrorist strongholds across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.
In a statement issued and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, troops were said to have recorded significant operational gains while advancing deeper into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
“During the conduct of these operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with high volumes of fire, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists,” the statement said.
The army further revealed that soldiers later stumbled on mass burial sites allegedly used by insurgents to conceal their casualties.
“In a further indication of the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts,” the statement added.
According to the military, the grim discovery exposes the scale of casualties inflicted on the terrorists and undermines their propaganda efforts.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated.
He noted that the overall security situation across the theatre of operations remains stable, as troops continue to apply pressure on fleeing insurgent elements.
“Across the Theatre, the security situation remains generally stable. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, and operations continue with sustained pressure on fleeing terrorist elements,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace in the North East.
“Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” it concluded.
