Nigerian troops have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during the intense confrontation.
TRUETELLS Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Army confirmed the development while also highlighting recent attacks on military formations in neighbouring Borno State where several soldiers, including senior officers, were reportedly killed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North-East) under Operation HADIN KAI repelled the attack at Goniri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to him, soldiers of the 120 Task Force Battalion stationed in Goniri engaged fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who launched the assault between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10.
Uba explained that surveillance systems first detected the insurgents approaching the base from different directions, specifically from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction, in what appeared to be an attempt to surround the military camp.
“The terrorists were initially detected through surveillance assets approaching the military location simultaneously from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction in an attempt to encircle the camp,” he said.
He noted that the troops responded swiftly with coordinated manoeuvres and heavy firepower while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely air support.
The army spokesperson revealed that the terrorists suffered heavy losses during the battle and were forced to retreat after sustaining significant casualties.
Among those killed was a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, said to be the Munzir of Dursula.
Security forces also recovered several weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised bombs and various calibres of ammunition.
Uba added that follow-up patrols conducted in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the recovery of additional terrorist bodies up to the early hours of March 11.
Although parts of the base’s defensive perimeter were temporarily breached during the attack, the troops maintained control of the facility.
He also disclosed that some structures and military vehicles were damaged due to the intensity of the assault, while injured soldiers had been evacuated for medical treatment and were in stable condition.
The Army assured that the base remains under the firm control of Operation HADIN KAI forces.
Meanwhile, troops supported by air assets have continued clearance and search operations in nearby communities where some wounded insurgents are believed to have escaped.
The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain operations aimed at eliminating terrorist groups operating in the North-East region.
