Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents, including a senior commander.
The attack occurred from the night of Monday, March 9, through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, when terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on troops deployed under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East).
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists were first detected through surveillance assets advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to encircle the military position.
However, the vigilant troops swiftly responded with superior firepower and coordinated defensive tactics, successfully thwarting the assault.
Reinforcements were immediately mobilised, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support that significantly weakened the insurgents’ combat capability.
During the intense firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat with heavy casualties. Over 20 insurgents were neutralised, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
Troops subsequently recovered several terrorist bodies as well as weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat. Items recovered include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition.
Further exploitation and clearance operations conducted in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols that continued into the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
Some soldiers who sustained injuries during the encounter were promptly evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The military said the location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, while ground forces supported by the Air Component have continued aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding areas.
Search and clearance operations are also ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are believed to have fled.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, reaffirming its commitment to the complete defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and security in Nigeria’s North-East region.
