The Nigerian military has uncovered a mass grave containing around 20 bodies of suspected terrorists in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, in what it described as evidence of heavy losses inflicted during recent operations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, said the grave contained terrorists killed during clashes with troops and later buried by their colleagues.
The Media Information Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, said the discovery demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained military pressure on terrorist groups operating in the area and contradicted claims often made by insurgents.
He said troops had cleared and secured several terrorist strongholds, including Tergejeri, Chiralia and the wider Ajigin and Abirma areas. During the advance, soldiers encountered fleeing insurgents and engaged them, leading to further casualties among the terrorists.
The statement also revealed that troops encountered two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices while consolidating positions north of Chilaria. One device was neutralised, while the second caused damage after breaching defensive positions.
The attack resulted in the deaths of some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while others were wounded. The injured were airlifted to military medical facilities, with air force aircraft providing cover during the evacuation and subsequent operations.
In a related development, the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FASAN YAMMA, said its troops had killed two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 hostages in Zamfara State.
According to the task force spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the hostages were rescued during a joint operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes in Munhaye Forest, a known bandit enclave. The victims are now safe, and arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.
