THE TIMBUKTU TRIANGLE: WHERE NIGERIA'S BRAVEST ARE TESTED
There are battlefields, and then there is the Timbuktu Triangle.
Located around the Damboa, Borno and Yobe axis, the Timbuktu Triangle is one of the most dangerous t£rrorist enclaves in Nigeria and has long served as a major stronghold of ISWAP. Its vast, unforgiving terrain, thick vegetation, hidden explosive devices, ambush routes, and well-fortified terrorist camps have made it one of the most difficult areas for military operations in the North East.
For every kilometre gained in the Timbuktu Triangle, brave Nigerian troops often pay a heavy price. The area has witnessed fierce battles, deadly ambushes, IED and VBIED attacks, and countless close-quarter engagements. It is a place where courage is tested every single day.
One of the finest officers to fall there was Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari, the gallant Commanding Officer of the 149 Battalion.
On 24 January 2025, while leading his men during Operation DESERT SANITY, Lt. Col. Alari and his troops launched a major offensive deep into the Timbuktu Triangle to dismantle terrorist camps. The operation dealt a devastating blow to the insurgents, with over 70 terrorists, including three senior ISWAP commanders, neutralised. But in a desperate counterattack, the terrorists deployed a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) against the advancing troops. The explosion claimed the lives of Lt. Col. Alari and many of his men, while others sustained injuries.
The battle was one of the bloodiest in recent years. The Defence Headquarters later confirmed that 22 Nigerian soldiers were killed in action during the clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, even as troops destroyed terrorist camps and inflicted massive losses on the enemy.
Lt. Col. Alari died exactly as every great military leader hopes to be remembered: leading from the front. He shared the dangers of his soldiers, inspired them by his example, and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria.
Today, we remember not only Lt. Col. Alari but every officer and soldier who has fought, bled, and fallen in the Timbuktu Triangle and across every battlefield in defence of our nation. Their names may not all be known to the public, but their sacrifices are written into the history of Nigeria.
To every soldier still holding the line in the harsh deserts of the North East, to every sailor guarding our waters, every airman dominating our skies, every police officer, DSS operative, NSCDC personnel, and every member of our security services, thank you. Nigeria sleeps because you remain awake.
To the families who wait anxiously for phone calls, who celebrate reunions and endure heartbreaking losses, your sacrifices are just as real. Your strength and resilience deserve our deepest respect.
May Almighty God grant eternal rest to Lt. Col. Thomas Ebisingha Alari and all our fallen heroes. May He comfort their families, protect those still on the frontlines, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Heroes never truly die. They live on in the freedom they defended and in the Nation they gave everything to protect.
#ThankASoldier
#ForGodAndCountryAlways
God Bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
I spotted a sniper wearing a full SF uniform, but the exposed skin wasn't that of a black man it was a foreign fighter. I faced that axis and rained it with full force. Our officer in charge had been shot, but we had to finish the operation.
After some intense fighting, the place was calm, and we entered Alagarno. Some insurgents ran with bullet wounds, but what I saw was indescribable. The insurgents we killed included Arabs, and the camp's setup indicated they weren't locals. We found bunkers filled with hard currencies, brand-new vehicles, arms, sophisticated gadgets and even air conditioning.
Just as we thought it was over, they came again in vehicles, shouting "Allahu Akbar" and claiming it was their caliphate. With our ammo running low and our Oga shot, we were under pressure. But then, air support arrived, and it was our saviour.
CIVILIAN: As a 🇳🇬 Soldier do you have stories to narrate?
SOLDIER; "YES" As a 🇳🇬 soldier, I used to think village people had no power over me so I felt untouchable.
In 2021, while I was serving in Maiduguri, I started making some money.
The first thing I did was rush back to the village to start molding blocks for my own building, I was determined to build something for myself.
Then one day, a woman from the village told my mother, “Warn your son to be very prayerful, If he’s not careful, he will end up selling the very blocks he’s molding now.”
My mother called me immediately and delivered the message. But I brushed it off. I turned a deaf ear.I went ahead and molded 5,000 blocks.
Not long after, problems started coming from every direction, One issue after another, eventually I had to start selling my properties — including every single one of those blocks.
😭😭😭 I am still paying back debt till date .
PUBLIC APPEAL TO IDENTIFY FAMILY OF MR ORIOWO GABRIEL
The Lagos State Police Command appeals to members of the public to assist in reuniting an elderly man with his family.
The man, Mr. Oriowo Gabriel, aged 83 years, was found by a kind-hearted member of the public and subsequently taken into protective Police custody at Ipaja Division, where he is currently safe and well cared for. Despite efforts by the Police to trace his family using the addresses he provided, all attempts have been unsuccessful, as the addresses have been visited and no one has been able to identify or locate his relatives.
The Command therefore humbly appeals to anyone who knows Mr. Oriowo Gabriel or has any information that could assist in reuniting him with his family or loved ones to kindly contact the DPO, Ipaja Division, on +234 803 799 3827.
Remember His Name, He paid the ultimate price in the fight to rescue the kidnapped victims from Orire…laid to rest today…RIP Gallant Soldier 🪽🪽🪽🪽🪽🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
🇳🇬 NO RANSOM PAID. ABDUCTORS K!11£D. ARRESTS MADE. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Security Forces have sent a strong message: No compromise with cr!m!nals.
The coordinated rescue operation involving the NSA, Honourable Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, IGP, and DG DSS is highly commendable.
Special appreciation to our brave Ground Forces who made this possible.
The Oyo children are safely back home with their families.
🇳🇬🇳🇬VICTORY FOR NIGERIA! 💪🇳🇬
#OyoRescue #NoRansom #NigerianSecurity #EndKidnapping 🇳🇬
A 20-year-old woman is fighting for her life after being discharged from a hospital because her family could not afford continued treatment.
Her husband was recently killed by bandits, leaving her alone with an infant. With no financial support and her parents unable to cover her medical bills, she has been forced out of the hospital despite her worsening condition.
Local volunteers are appealing for urgent assistance to help return her to the hospital for lifesaving care. Those nearby can visit her family in the Malam Ibrahim Mai-tafsiri area of Gusau, Zamfara State.
For those who wish to support financially:
Account Name: Maibiredi Charity Foundation
Bank: First Bank
Account Number: 2045281721
For inquiries or verification (Call/WhatsApp):
08069807496
In a conflict that has already taken her husband, poverty should not be allowed to take her life too. Every act of compassion could mean the difference between life and death
Please retweet and share widely. 🙏
A single repost could help this appeal reach someone who can save a young mother's life
14 kidnapped Ekiti Church Members Regain Freedom After Over 67 Days in Captivity.
14 out of 15 worshippers who were abducted from a church during a night vigil on April 28, 2026, in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State, have now regained their freedom after more than 67 days in captivity.
The victims were released yesterday and were later taken to the State Teaching Hospital.
One of the worshippers died (or was possibly killed) while in captivity by the terrorists.
This video is really heartbreaking 💔
May God comfort these people and their loved ones.