Troops repel ISWAP attack in Yobe, kill over 20 insurgents

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle.

The attacks occurred between the night of Monday, March 9, and the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), deployed in Goniri under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, came under heavy assault from multiple directions.

According to the military, surveillance assets first detected the insurgents advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to encircle the military location.

However, troops responded swiftly with coordinated defensive maneuvers and superior firepower, successfully repelling the attackers.

Reinforcements were quickly deployed while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, significantly weakening the terrorists’ combat strength during the intense firefight.

Military sources said the insurgents were eventually forced to retreat in disarray after suffering heavy casualties. More than 20 terrorists were killed in the encounter, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, reportedly the Munzir of Dursula.

Following the failed attack, troops recovered several weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. Items recovered included multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition.

Further clearance operations carried out in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.

The military said some soldiers sustained injuries during the battle but were evacuated for treatment and are currently in stable condition.

Authorities confirmed that the Goniri location remains under the full control of Operation Hadin Kai forces, while troops, supported by the Air Component, have launched aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding communities to track down suspected fleeing insurgents.

Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East region. Military authorities also commended the troops for their bravery and resilience during the operation.