Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled coordinated attacks by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents, including a senior commander.
The military said the attacks occurred from the night of Monday, March 9, through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on troops stationed in Goniri under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East).
According to the military, the attackers were detected early through surveillance assets as they advanced simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to surround the military base.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said troops responded swiftly and repelled the assault.
“The vigilant and gallant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, effectively coordinating their defensive actions,” Uba said.
He explained that reinforcements were quickly mobilised while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support that helped weaken the attackers during the intense firefight.
“During the intense engagement, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, suffering heavy casualties,” he added.
The military disclosed that over 20 insurgents were killed in the battle, including a senior terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula.
Following the failed assault, troops recovered several bodies of the attackers along with weapons and equipment abandoned during their retreat.
Items recovered at the scene include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibres.
Uba further said follow-up clearance operations by troops around Gwaigomari in the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional insurgent bodies during patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
Troops injured during the encounter were evacuated for medical treatment and are currently in stable condition.
“The location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops,” the statement said, noting that ground forces supported by the Air Component are carrying out aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding areas.
Additional search and clearance operations are also ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded insurgents are believed to have fled.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Uba said Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to defeating terrorism and restoring peace across the North-East.
“The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience while urging them to sustain the operational tempo,” he added. #Securitynewsalert.com
