Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have foiled coordinated attacks by terrorists in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle.
The attack occurred recently, when terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched assaults on troops deployed in the area under Sector 2 of the operation.
Military sources said the terrorists were first detected by surveillance assets advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in an apparent attempt to encircle the military location.
However, the troops swiftly responded with superior firepower and coordinated tactical manoeuvres, successfully repelling the attackers.
Reinforcements were immediately deployed while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support, further weakening the terrorists’ fighting capability.
During the intense exchange of fire, the insurgents were overwhelmed and forced to retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties.
Among those killed was a senior ISWAP commander, Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
Following the failed assault, troops recovered several bodies of the terrorists along with weapons and equipment abandoned during their retreat.
Items recovered from the scene include: machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, bombs and assorted ammunition of different calibres.
Further clearance and exploitation operations conducted by troops in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle also led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols carried out up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
Some soldiers who sustained injuries during the encounter were evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities confirmed that the location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, while ground forces supported by air assets have intensified search and clearance operations in surrounding communities.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the ongoing offensive aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the North-East region.
