The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Sunday that 22 soldiers were killed during clearance operations in the terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle in the northeast.
The military high command further added that the troops also killed three terrorist commanders and over 70 fighters during the operation.
These statements were contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director of Defense Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba.
The statement said the operations, which began on January 16, were aimed at dismantling the presence of terrorists around the Timbuktu Triangle.
“During the operations, terrorists deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), person-borne improvised explosive devices (suicide attacks), as well as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (vehicle-borne suicide attacks) to protect themselves from advance and attacks of the troops. .
“Troops already familiar with the terrorists' tactics foiled several attempts, including shooting down amateur drones used by the terrorists.
“Operation Hadin Kai troops in the northeast carried out a clearance operation to eliminate the terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle.
“The three operations aimed at dismantling the presence of terrorists within the Timbuktu Triangle began on January 16.
“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of clearance operations, which resulted in the deaths of over 70 terrorist fighters, including three notable terrorist commanders.
“The slain terrorist commanders include, among others, the following: Talha (commander of terrorist special forces), Mallam Umar (commander of terrorist operations) and Abu Yazeeed (commander of terrorist brigade).
“During operations, terrorists deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), person-borne improvised explosive devices (suicide bombers), as well as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (vehicle-borne suicide bombers) to protect themselves from advance and attacks of the troops. .
“Troops who were already familiar with terrorist tactics foiled the attempts of several terrorists, including shooting down amateur drones used by terrorists.
“In total, during the course of operations, troops unfortunately recorded 22 combat casualties and several others were injured in combat. For this reason, the media is urged to resist publishing the names of troop casualties to allow formal notification to their next of kin.
“Overall, the operation is ongoing and the public will be informed of future developments in due course,” said Major General Buba.
READ ALSO: 'Bello Turji is a coward', Nigerian army says bandit leader abandoned foot soldiers