Three ‘notorious’ insurgent commanders, including an ISWAP woman leader, killed by Nigeria’s troops, 22 of whom also died in week-long – and ongoing – counterinsurgency operations

At least 70 insurgents, including three commanders, have been killed and an undisclosed number of combatants wounded in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in an area known as the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast.

Major-General Edward Buba, director of Defence Media Operations, said in a statement released on Sunday, January 26, that 22 soldiers had also died in ongoing operations that started on Thursday, January 16 when Desert Sanity IV was launched.

The operations were focused on dismantling enclaves of both the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the northeast of the country conducted a clearance operation in a renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle. The three-prong operation, aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence within the triangle, commenced on January 16 and it is ongoing to date.

“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations, which resulted in more than 70 terrorist combatants, including three notable terrorist commanders, being neutralised.

“During the operations, the terrorists deployed improvised explosive devices [IEDs], person-borne IEDs [suicide bombers] as well as vehicle-borne IEDs [suicide bombers in explosive vehicles] to ward off the troops’ advances and attacks.

“Troops, already familiar with the terrorist tactics, thwarted several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorists,” Buba said.

He sent condolences to the families of the 22 soldiers who died and appealed to the media not to publish their names to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.

He said it was unfortunate that “several gallant soldiers” had been wounded, but he did not disclose the figure.

In an update on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page, defence headquarters confirmed that “terrorists were dislodged from their enclaves in Jemyeri, Abulam, Agum and Digamari”.

“Troops further stormed an ISWAP training camp at Garin Baban Alhassan, destroyed the camp and neutralised 18, including three notorious commanders identified as Talha, an ISWAP woman leader, Mallam Umar, a rocket-propelled grenade [RPG] trainer, and Abu Yazeed, an ISWAP brigade commander.”

The army said troops conducted a “final onslaught” on Gardiri, “a notorious terrorist enclave”.

“As a precursor to the operations, troops cleared terrorist camps at Burbur, Lamisuri, Kassachia and Buk destroying all life-supporting structures within these strongholds.

“It is worthy to state that the terrorists were placed on the backfoot as they were on the run all through, seeking new hideouts within the Timbuktu Triangle.”

The army said that because of the pressure put on the insurgents and “as a sign of desperation and last resort, on January 24 at 7.10pm, the terrorists cowardly rammed into troops at their harbour position with a vehicle-borne IED at Gardiri base killing a commanding officer, two officers and some of our very brave men while injuring 20 others.

“Fourteen AK-47 rifles, six RPG tubes, 18 motorcycles and 24 AK-47 magazines were recovered by our gallant warriors.”

The army said it was conducting a comprehensive review of the operations to enable a re-launch.

On its X [formerly Twitter] account, the army said the sustained offensive operations to clear insurgents’ enclaves in the Timbuktu Triangle – cutting across the Borno and Yobe states – had led to the successful recovery of valuable assets and the rescuing of women and children held in captivity by the combatants.

“The terrorists, who abandoned their enclaves and fled following fierce air-cum-artillery bombardments and ground battle, left behind a Mowag armoured personnel carrier, a Canter truck and a tractor.

“Additionally, 44 civilians, including women and children who had been held captive in the area, were rescued by the courageous troops.

“The rescued women and children were provided with immediate relief, including new clothing to give them a sense of comfort and dignity as they begin their journey to freedom. They have been handed over to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs, where they will be administered.

“The daring operations did not only lead to the recovery of vital resources but also brought hope and freedom to innocent women and children who have been trapped amid conflict.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. Amen. Adieu gallant warriors!”

RNI Reporter