Troops under Operation HADIN KAI have killed no fewer than 50 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a coordinated assault on the Headquarters of the 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State.
The Nigerian Army made this known in a statement released on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba.
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According to the statement, the insurgents launched the attack around 2 a.m. on Thursday, advancing from different directions toward the brigade headquarters and the Buni Gari checkpoint.
The military explained that the terrorists initially attacked from the western flank before reinforcing through the southern axis around Ganinga Junction and later attempted to surround the troops from the south-western corridor.
The army said the attackers were met with heavy resistance, superior firepower, and strong tactical response from troops who successfully repelled the assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents.
“At least 50 terrorists were neutralised, while several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the fleeing attackers,” the statement noted.
The military disclosed that troops employed indirect fire support alongside offensive and defensive strategies, forcing the insurgents to retreat while evacuating some of their dead and injured members.
It further stated that the military formation remained secure throughout the operation and was not overrun at any point.
The statement added that follow-up exploitation of the area led to the recovery of 10 bodies of terrorists around the vicinity, while intelligence reports suggested that more than 20 additional corpses were discovered along escape routes around Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was also said to have provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance support during the operation, enabling precision air strikes against identified terrorist hideouts and retreating fighters.
“In a coordinated air and ground operation, precision strikes targeted confirmed terrorist locations and fleeing elements, resulting in the elimination of an additional 20 insurgents along their withdrawal paths,” the statement added.
Recovered items included eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, loaded magazines, bandoliers, and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The military also revealed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minor damage during the exchange of fire, while injured personnel were currently receiving medical attention.
It, however, confirmed the death of two soldiers during the encounter.
“Sadly, two brave soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifice reflects courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to defending the nation,” the statement said.
The army added that troops, alongside volunteer forces, had begun pursuit operations to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent any attempt at regrouping within the area.
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