A suicide bomber driving an explosives-laden vehicle struck a military convoy in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle on Tuesday, killing five soldiers and injuring several others, including two senior officers—a major and a lieutenant—security sources confirmed to Daily Trust.
The attack occurred as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation in the area. One soldier described the incident as causing extensive damage to military vehicles and equipment deployed for ongoing operations.
“The attack caused significant destruction to our armoured and logistics vehicles used in weeks-long offensive and defensive operations,” a source said.
Another officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the casualties but emphasized that the mission would continue. “Yes, there were setbacks. We lost five soldiers, but Commander Manga is safe, and the operation continues,” he said.
The bodies of the fallen soldiers have been flown to Maiduguri, while the injured were evacuated for medical treatment.
The Timbuktu Triangle has long been a stronghold for insurgents, where, in past incidents, terrorists ambushed and killed senior military personnel, including Brigadier General Musa Uba. The latest attack comes just a day after troops of the Joint Task Force North-East (Operation Hadin Kai) announced significant gains in the area during Operation Desert Sanity.
On Monday, the task force reported that troops had cleared multiple terrorist camps and repelled drone attacks across the Timbuktu Triangle. Lt-Col Sani Uba, spokesman for the operation, said that several weapons, communications devices, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, and logistical materials were seized during the clearance operations.
“Troops advanced across identified terrorist enclaves, including Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, supported by air surveillance that enabled real-time tracking and precision strikes,” Lt-Col Uba stated. He added that despite armed drone attacks by insurgents, troops maintained momentum and forced the adversaries to withdraw.
Despite the ongoing confrontations, military officials report that troop morale remains high and operational effectiveness is intact. The security situation in the Timbuktu Triangle is considered calm but unpredictable, with soldiers maintaining heightened vigilance.
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The Military High Command affirmed that operations would continue unabated, stressing that troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East.
