A suicide bomber rammed into a military convoy in the “Timbuktu triangle” in “Borno State,” killing five soldiers and injuring an unspecified number of troops.
Security sources confirmed to Daily Trust that two senior military officers— a major and a lieutenant— were affected in the attack.
“The attack caused significant damage to military equipment used for offensive and defensive operations in the weeks-long clearance operations,” said one of the soldiers.
He reported that the terrorists used a car loaded with explosives to ram into the military convoy.
The troops were returning from a clearance operation that successfully dislodged several insurgent camps and killed many of them when the attack reportedly occurred.
“Yes! You know, every operation came with setbacks, but we overcame it. Unfortunately, we lost five soldiers in the incident. Manga (the Commander) is hale and hearty and the operation continues, thank you,” stated an officer who wished to remain anonymous.
He added that armoured and logistics vehicles were destroyed when the van laden with explosives rammed into the convoy on Tuesday.
Our correspondent also gathered that the corpses have been flown to “Maiduguri,” while officers who sustained injuries in the attack have also been taken for medical attention.
The “Timbuktu triangle” is the area where the terrorists ambushed the convoy of Brigadier General Musa Uba, captured, and executed him.
Recall that on Monday, the troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), stated they had cleared multiple terrorist camps and thwarted drone attacks in the area.
In a statement by the spokesman of the operation, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, during the ongoing “Operation DESERT SANITY,” arms and equipment were also recovered from the terrorists.
“On Sunday, 18 January 2026, troops advanced from their harbour area and conducted deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves, including “Chilaria,” “Garin Faruk,” and “Abirma.”
“The operation was supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over the axis. The air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations.
“During the operation, troops recovered several items of military significance, including Baofeng radios, phones, 5 x AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, several Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108 mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pickup truck, underground logistics storage, and a Petroleum and Oil Lubricant (POL) dump, which all further degraded the operational and logistical capability of the terrorists.
“At about midday, the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists. Despite this, the troops maintained momentum and continued the offensives. A second attempt in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw, reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area.
“Despite sustained engagements, troop morale remains high, and fighting efficiency continues to be maintained. The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness.
“The Military High Command affirmed that the operations will continue as troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East,” Uba added.
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