Nigerian troops repel insurgent attack in Yobe- Several Neutralized

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamist militants in Yobe State, killing more than 20 fighters, the military says.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the army said the attack occurred overnight from Monday into the early hours of Tuesday when militants linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assaulted a military position in Goniri.

The military said the fighters were detected through surveillance as they advanced from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to surround the base. Troops responded with coordinated firepower while reinforcements were deployed and air support provided by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the statement, the attackers were forced to retreat after an intense firefight, leaving behind bodies and weapons. The army said more than 20 militants were killed, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, while troops also recovered machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices and ammunition. Follow-up patrols in nearby areas later discovered additional bodies, while injured soldiers were evacuated for treatment and are said to be in stable condition.