Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by terrorists on troops location in Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe, Media/Information Officer, Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North-East), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said late night on Wednesday.
Lt.-Col. Uba said the troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion, Goniri, successfully contained and repelled the attacks launched by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
He explained that the attacks occurred between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10, when the troops came under assault from multiple directions.
According to him, 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.
The military spokesman said, “The gallant troops responded with exceptional manoeuvre and firepower, coordinating their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive air support.”
Lt.-Col. Uba said the terrorists were met with overwhelming resistance and were forced to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
He said that more than 20 terrorists were killed during the crossfire, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, who was said to be the Munzir of Dursula.
“Several terrorist bodies were left behind, while troops recovered weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibre,” he said.
According to him, additional bodies were recovered during follow-up patrols conducted in the general area of Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle up to the early hours of March 11.
He noted that some sections of the defensive perimeter at the military base were temporarily breached, while structures and vehicles within the camp sustained damage due to the intensity of the attack.
Lt.-Col Uba, however, said injured troops had been evacuated and were receiving treatment in stable condition.
He emphasised that the location remained firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
The spokesman added that ground forces, supported by the air component, were conducting follow-up operations and search missions in neighbouring communities where some wounded terrorists were believed to be hiding.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Operation HADIN KAI to the total defeat of the terrorist groups operating in the Northeast.
