Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Yobe, Kill Over 20 Insurgents

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military position in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents.

Military sources said the attacks began late on Monday, March 9, and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, when troops stationed in Goniri under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East) came under assault from multiple directions.

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

Troops responded with sustained fire and defensive manoeuvres while reinforcements were deployed to the area. Air support from the air component of Operation Hadin Kai was also activated, targeting insurgent positions and weakening their advance.

During the fighting, the attackers were forced to withdraw after sustaining heavy losses. Military officials said more than 20 insurgents were killed, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the “Munzir” of Dursula.

After the clash, troops recovered several bodies as well as weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat. Items found at the scene included machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, bombs and assorted ammunition.

Follow-up operations were later carried out in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle, where additional insurgent bodies were discovered during patrols that continued into the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.

Some soldiers injured during the engagement were evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Military authorities said the Goniri position remains under the control of troops, while ground forces supported by air units continue search and clearance operations in nearby communities where some wounded fighters are believed to have fled.

The military command also commended the troops involved in the operation and urged them to maintain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the North-East.