The Defence Headquarters(DHQ), has confirmed the killing of 22 soldiers fighting in the counter insurgency war in Borno State.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made this known, said several others were injured during clearance operations embarked upon by the troops.
Buba, in a statement, appealed to the media to desist publishing the names of troop casualties to allow military authorities to formally notify their next of kin first.
Gen Buba, however, said the troops from Operation HADIN KAI in the North East killed 70 terrorist combatants, including 3 notable terrorist commanders during the operation.
He said the feat was recorded during a clearance Operation conducted by the troops to a notorious terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.
He said the three-prong operation aimed at dismantling the terrorists’ presence within the triangle commenced on 16 Jan till date.
Gen. Buba, in a statement said: “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East of the country conducted a clearance Operation to a notorious terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle. The three- prong operation aimed at dismantling the terrorists’ presence within the triangle commenced on 16 Jan 25 till date.
“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which resulted in over 70 terrorist combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized. The terrorist commanders neutralised include and is not limited to the following : TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander).
“Meanwhile during the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices( IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.
“Troops already familiar with the terrorists’ tactics thwarted several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorists.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action. On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.
“On the whole, the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course.”
