Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled coordinated attacks by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents, including a senior commander.
The military said the insurgents launched the attack on troops stationed in Goniri from the night of Monday, March 9, through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, attempting to overrun the military location from multiple directions.
However, according to a statement by the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai, the terrorists were detected early through surveillance assets as they advanced simultaneously from the Goniri village axis and the Ngamdu junction corridor in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to encircle the troops.
The statement noted that the troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, effectively repelling the attackers and preventing the base from being overrun.
It added that reinforcements were immediately mobilised to the location while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, delivering precision strikes that significantly weakened the terrorists’ combat capability.
During the fierce firefight, the insurgents were overwhelmed and forced to retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties.
The military disclosed that over 20 terrorists were neutralised, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, a key figure within the insurgent network.
Troops also recovered several weapons and combat equipment abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Items recovered from the scene included multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, bombs and assorted ammunition of different calibres.
Further clearance operations conducted in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle also led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols carried out up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
The military confirmed that some soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter but were promptly evacuated for medical treatment and are currently in stable condition.
It added that the military location in Goniri remains firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops.
Ground forces, supported by the air component, have since launched aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding areas, while search and clearance missions are ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are believed to have fled.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational momentum until terrorism is completely defeated in the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
