By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a coordinated attack by terrorists on a military location in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle.
The troops, deployed under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North-East), came under heavy assault from suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) from the night of Monday, March 9, through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists were first detected by surveillance assets as they advanced simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to encircle the military position.
However, the vigilant troops swiftly responded with superior firepower and effective tactical manoeuvres, successfully repelling the attackers.
According to the statement, reinforcements were quickly mobilised while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, significantly weakening the insurgents’ combat capability during the engagement.
During the intense firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, leaving behind heavy casualties. Over 20 insurgents were neutralised in the battle, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
Troops also recovered several bodies of the insurgents alongside a cache of weapons and other equipment abandoned during the retreat. Items recovered include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition.
Further exploitation and clearance operations carried out by troops in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional insurgents’ bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
The statement added that troops who sustained injuries during the encounter were immediately evacuated for medical treatment and are currently in stable condition.
Military authorities confirmed that the location remains firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai forces, while ground troops, supported by the air component, have continued aggressive follow-up operations in the surrounding areas.
Additional search and clearance operations are also ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are believed to have fled.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its resolve to sustain the offensive against insurgent groups and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
The military high command also commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to maintain the current operational momentum in the fight against terrorism.
