Nigerian Military Uncovers Terrorist Mass Graves in Borno, Records Significant Gains
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have made a significant discovery in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria's northeastern region. During sustained offensive operations in the volatile Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, military personnel uncovered mass graves containing the bodies of approximately twenty terrorists killed in recent encounters with Nigerian forces.
Discovery Undermines Terrorist Propaganda
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the discovery in an official statement issued on Wednesday. According to military intelligence, the mass graves are believed to contain the remains of terrorists eliminated during firefights with troops and subsequently buried by their fleeing comrades. This revelation significantly undermines the propaganda narratives often promoted by terrorist groups regarding their operational strength and battlefield successes in the region.
Major Operational Advances in Timbuktu Triangle
The discovery comes as Nigerian troops continue to advance deep into the Timbuktu Triangle, recording substantial operational gains and disrupting terrorist networks across multiple strategic locations. During the latest phase of military operations, forces successfully cleared and dominated several terrorist strongholds, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin–Abirma general areas. Throughout these engagements, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing insurgents and engaged them with heavy firepower, resulting in the neutralization of additional terrorist elements.
VBIED Attacks Thwarted During Operations
The military statement further revealed that on January 20, 2026, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices while consolidating at a harbor area approximately six kilometers north of Chilaria. Through vigilance and swift response, troops successfully neutralized one of the VBIEDs. However, the second explosive device breached defensive positions and affected some logistics platforms. During this attack, several gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice, while others sustained injuries in the line of duty.
Comprehensive Medical Evacuation and Air Support
Wounded personnel received immediate medical attention through prompt evacuation by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment. Throughout the evacuation process, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, working in synergy with other Army air assets, provided continuous aerial overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and maintain security for ground forces. This coordinated air support enabled troops to neutralize additional terrorists while maintaining pressure on fleeing insurgent elements.
Military Resolve and Continued Operations
Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that the general security situation across the theater of operations remains stable, with troop morale and fighting efficiency maintained at high levels. The discovery of the mass graves highlights the substantial losses suffered by terrorist groups operating in the area and further discredits their claims of territorial dominance. Operation Hadin Kai troops remain resolute in their commitment to protect civilian populations, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria's North-East region.
The military continues to sustain offensive pressure against terrorist elements, with operations ongoing across multiple fronts in Borno State. This latest development represents another significant step in Nigeria's comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, demonstrating both the operational effectiveness of security forces and the mounting challenges faced by insurgent groups in the region.
