At least five Nigerian soldiers were killed on Tuesday after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy operating in the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State, security sources have confirmed.
Sources told Daily Trust that the attack also left an unspecified number of troops injured, including two senior officers—a Major and a Lieutenant—who were among those affected during the incident.
One of the soldiers described the impact of the attack as severe, noting that it caused extensive damage to operational assets. “The attack caused significant damage to military equipment used for offensive and defensive operations in the weeks-long clearance operations,” the source said.
According to him, the terrorists deployed a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), ramming a car packed with explosives directly into the convoy.
The troops were reportedly returning from a successful clearance operation that had dislodged several insurgent camps and resulted in the killing of many terrorists when the attack occurred.
Confirming the incident, another officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the operation remained ongoing despite the setback. “Yes! You know, every operation comes 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,” the officer said.
He further disclosed that armoured vehicles and logistics trucks were destroyed when the explosive-laden van struck the convoy during the attack.
It was also gathered that the remains of the fallen soldiers have been airlifted to Maiduguri, while those injured in the attack were evacuated to medical facilities for treatment.
The Timbuktu Triangle is a notorious flashpoint in the North East and was previously the location where terrorists ambushed a convoy carrying Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was captured and later executed.
The attack came barely a day after the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), announced that its troops had cleared multiple terrorist camps and foiled drone attacks in the same general area.
In a statement earlier issued by the spokesman of the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the military said the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY recorded significant gains, including the recovery of arms and equipment 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,” Uba said.
He explained that the operation was supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage. “The air-to-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations,” he added.
According to the statement, troops recovered items of significant military value, including “Baofeng radios, phones, five AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage facilities and a Petroleum and Oil Lubricant (POL) dump.” The recoveries, Uba said, further degraded the terrorists’ operational and logistical capabilities.
He also revealed that troops came under armed drone attacks during the operation. “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,” he stated.
Despite sustained engagements, the military said troop morale remains high. “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 spokesman added.
Uba said the Military High Command had reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive. “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,” he said.
