Suicide Bomber Rams into Military Convoy in Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle, Killing 5 Soldiers

By Tgnews Reporter

A devastating suicide attack struck a Nigerian military convoy in the volatile Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State on Tuesday, claiming the lives of five soldiers and injuring several others, including two senior officers.

Security sources confirmed to Daily Trust that the assailant, driving a vehicle loaded with explosives, deliberately rammed into the convoy, causing significant destruction to armoured and logistics vehicles critical to ongoing offensive and defensive operations.

The troops were returning from a successful clearance mission under Operation DESERT SANITY—part of the broader Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), where they had dislodged multiple terrorist camps, neutralized insurgents, and recovered substantial arms, ammunition, and logistics items.

One anonymous soldier described the incident: “The attack caused significant damage to military equipment used for offensive and defensive operations in the weeks-long clearance operations.” He added that despite the setback, the troops overcame the challenge, with operations continuing unabated.

Another officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed: “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.”

The bodies of the fallen soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while the injured, including a major and a lieutenant, have been airlifted for medical treatment.

The Timbuktu Triangle remains a notorious hotspot for insurgent activity, infamously linked to the 2016 ambush and execution of Brigadier General Musa Uba by terrorists.

The attack comes amid intensified military pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. Just days earlier, on Monday, the OPHK spokesperson, Lt-Col Sani Uba, announced major gains in the ongoing clearance operations:

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, troops—supported by persistent air cover from the Air Component—conducted intelligence-led raids on terrorist enclaves in Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma.

The operations recovered Baofeng radios, phones, AK-47 magazines, assorted ammunition, Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, medical supplies, grains, a pickup truck, underground storage facilities, and a POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) dump—severely degrading the terrorists’ capabilities.

Troops also repelled two armed drone attacks during the day, maintaining momentum and forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Lt-Col Uba emphasized: “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 reiterated its resolve: “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.”

This latest suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region, even as Nigerian forces sustain aggressive offensives to dismantle their networks and deny them operational space.

No group has yet claimed responsibility, though such tactics align with Boko Haram and ISWAP operations in Borno.

Authorities have not released further details on the number of injured or the full extent of equipment losses, as investigations continue.