Troops repel ISWAP attack, kill 50 terrorists in Yobe 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a major overnight assault by suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on military positions in Buni Gari, Yobe State, killing no fewer than 50 insurgents during a coordinated land and air operation.

The Military disclosed that the attack targeted the Headquarters of the 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari Checkpoint in the early hours of last Thursday, but was successfully foiled after troops mounted what officials described as a “devastating” counteroffensive against the attackers.

According to a statement by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists launched the assault around 2 a.m. from multiple directions under the cover of darkness in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to overwhelm and encircle troops stationed in the area.

The statement said the insurgents initially attacked from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern axis through Ganinga Junction and later advancing from the south-western corridor.

However, troops reportedly maintained their defensive positions and responded with heavy firepower and coordinated tactical manoeuvres that neutralised scores of the attackers and forced the surviving insurgents to retreat.

Military authorities said the troops employed indirect fire systems and offensive-defensive combat tactics that systematically dismantled the terrorists’ advance from all directions.

“At no point was any part of the camp breached, as the integrity of the location remained fully intact throughout the engagement,” the statement noted.

The military said preliminary exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of 10 terrorist corpses within the immediate vicinity of the military base, while intelligence reports indicated that more than 20 additional bodies were discovered in surrounding bushes along withdrawal routes stretching through Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya.

The Military also credited the Air Component Command for playing a decisive role in the operation through sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that enabled troops to track and engage fleeing insurgents in real time.

The statement added that Nigerian Air Force platforms conducted precision air interdiction strikes on identified terrorist positions and retreating fighters, killing an additional 20 insurgents during the pursuit operations.

Following the battle, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

“Recovered items included eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, two boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, two fully loaded magazines, nine bandoliers of ammunition, and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.

Military authorities described the recovered weapons as evidence of the scale and intensity of the failed assault.

Troops, supported by volunteer forces, have since launched aggressive follow-up operations across the area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent any regrouping attempts.

The military also disclosed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minimal damage during the engagement, while wounded personnel are currently receiving medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

Despite the successful operation, the military confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the battle.

The military paid tribute to the fallen troops, describing them as gallant personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country.

“Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement said.

The military further stated that the failed attack reflected increasing pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East, insisting that troops remain battle-ready and committed to sustaining operational dominance across the region.