Army Provides Update on Terrorist Attack in Timbuktu Triangle
The Nigerian Army has provided additional details on the recent attack on troops in the Timbuktu Triangle, clarifying misinformation circulating in some media outlets.
In a statement released on Sunday , the Nigerian Army disclosed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI commenced a major offensive, tagged Operation Desert Sanity IV, on Jan. 16, aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in the North-East region.
The statement noted that during the operation, troops successfully dislodged terrorists from their enclaves in Jemyeri, Abulam, Agum, and Digamari, neutralizing 18 insurgents, including three high-profile commanders: Talha, ISWAP’s women leader; Mallam Umar, an RPG trainer; and Abu Yazeed, ISWAP Brigade Commander.
Troops also stormed the ISWAP training camp at Garin Baban Alhassan, destroying the camp and disrupting terrorist activities.
The Army confirmed that on Jan. 24, during the operation, terrorists launched a desperate Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack on troops at Gardiri Base in Damboa Local Government Area.
The attack, described as a last resort by the terrorists, resulted in the loss of a commanding officer, two officers, and some soldiers, while 20 others sustained injuries.
Despite the attack, the troops neutralized more than 60 terrorists and recovered 14 AK-47 rifles, six RPG tubes, 18 motorcycles, and 24 AK-47 magazines during the one-week-long operation.
Clarification on Malam Fatori Reports
The Nigerian Army dismissed reports claiming that a military base in Malam Fatori was dislodged by terrorists. The statement described the reports as false and baseless, emphasizing that the only recorded incident occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle.
“It is pertinent to set the records straight that there was no terrorist activity at Malam Fatori leading to casualties on troops, as widely circulated in some media outlets. The only recorded incident occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle, Damboa LGA,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Army announced that a comprehensive review of the operation is being conducted to ensure the success of subsequent missions. It reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to defeating insurgency and restoring lasting peace to the region.
The Army urged media outlets to verify their information to avoid the spread of false reports capable of undermining public confidence and troop morale.
