Troops engaged in sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno State have continued their offensive against insurgent groups despite a suicide attack on a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle axis of the state.
Military sources confirmed that the attack occurred on Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that led to the dislodgement of several terrorist hideouts and the neutralisation of a significant number of insurgents in the area.
During the return movement, a vehicle laden with explosives was rammed into the convoy by a suicide bomber, resulting in the death of five soldiers. Several others sustained injuries in the incident, including two senior officers—a Major and a Lieutenant.
Despite the loss, sources said the troops remained organised and mission-focused, preventing further disruption to ongoing operations. The Commander of the operation, identified simply as Manga, was confirmed to be safe and continues to lead forces in the theatre.
A military source described the incident as a setback but stressed that it had not weakened the resolve of troops on the ground.
“Every operation comes with challenges. We lost five brave soldiers in this incident, but the mission continues. The troops remain committed and the offensive is ongoing,” the source said.
Armoured and logistics vehicles were damaged in the attack, according to security sources, but command and control structures were swiftly restored to ensure continuity of the mission.
The remains of the fallen soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while injured personnel are receiving treatment at designated military medical facilities.
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The Timbuktu Triangle remains a critical but volatile operational zone in the North-East, where troops continue to apply sustained pressure on terrorist elements to deny them freedom of movement and degrade their operational capacity.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining offensive operations against all terrorist groups in the region, while honouring the sacrifices of personnel serving on the frontlines in defence of the nation.
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