Two soldiers killed as troops crush ISWAP assault, neutralise over 50 insurgents in Yobe
Operation HADIN KAI Repels ISWAP Attack in Yobe State
BUNI GARI, Yobe State — Troops participating in Operation HADIN KAI successfully thwarted a coordinated assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on the 27 Brigade headquarters and the Buni Gari checkpoint early Thursday morning.
The attack, which took place in the Gujba Local Government Area, was confirmed by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement released Friday.
According to the statement, the insurgents initiated their attack from multiple directions under the cover of darkness. However, troops engaged in a prolonged gun battle, ultimately forcing the attackers to retreat. The military reported that over 50 terrorists were neutralized during the confrontation, while several others managed to escape with injuries.
Troops maintained control of the military installation throughout the assault, with no breaches reported. Following the encounter, subsequent exploitation missions resulted in the recovery of various weapons and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, RPG bombs, ammunition boxes, and Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
Additionally, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction missions targeting fleeing insurgents, contributing to the significant losses incurred by the attackers.
Ongoing follow-up operations in the region involve both troops and allied volunteer forces aimed at tracking down fleeing terrorists and preventing their regrouping.
The military confirmed that two soldiers were killed in the engagement, with several others sustaining injuries and currently receiving medical attention. Some military equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks, suffered minor damage during the encounter.
