Troops uncover terrorists’ mass grave in Borno

The troops of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have discovered a mass grave containing corpses of about 20 terrorists neutralised by troops during operations at Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State.

The Media Information Officer of the OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this via a statement issued on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Uba stated that the troops in the latest phase of operations cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.

Uba disclosed that the troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorists and engaged them with high volumes of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents.

He said: “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.

“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives.”

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Uba added that the troops, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6km North of Chilaria on Tuesday, encountered 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED).

Uba stated: “Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised. The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position affecting some logistics platforms.

“In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries. The wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.”

He, therefore, said the troops remained resolute in their commitment to protect civilians, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.

The Star