By Joy Odor
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba on Sunday informed that the troops of Operation HADIN KAI encountered deadly terrorists in their strong holds and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle in North East, resulting in killing of 70 terrorists and three of their commanders.
Gen Buba affirmed that sadly, the encounters also led to the death of gallant soldiers in the course of the operation with several others wounded in action.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, narrated that the incident occurred when troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East of the country conducted clearance Operation to renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.
He mentioned that the three prong operation was aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence with a triangle and commenced on 16 Jan till date January 25.
The DDMO said 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).
The Defence Headquarters said the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course and appealed to the media to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.
The Director said that “troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which result in over 70 terrorists combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized the sadly.
“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 terrorist tactics thwarted the several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action” he said.
