Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have foiled a coordinated attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on military formations in Yobe State, killing over 50 insurgents in the process.
The military said the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, targeted the headquarters of the 27 Brigade in Buni Gari as well as a nearby checkpoint.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Uba Sani, disclosed that the insurgents launched the assault around 2am from multiple directions under the cover of darkness.
He said the attackers advanced from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later from the south-west in what he described as a failed attempt to encircle troops.
Sani, however, said the troops responded with “devastating firepower,” maintaining their positions with what he called “exceptional discipline and tactical composure.”
According to him, the troops adopted a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy, deploying indirect fire to weaken the insurgents while repelling the assault across all fronts.
“The terrorists were met with such overwhelming resistance that they retreated in disarray, evacuating some of their dead and wounded, as indicated by blood trails along their escape routes,” he said.
He added that no part of the military formation was breached during the attack.
The military further disclosed that at least 10 bodies of insurgents were recovered within the immediate vicinity, while intelligence reports indicated additional casualties along withdrawal routes in Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.
Sani noted that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided aerial support during the operation, conducting targeted strikes on fleeing insurgents and neutralising no fewer than 20 additional fighters.
“The air operations ensured sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage, enabling real-time coordination and precision targeting,” he said.
Items recovered from the scene include eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, five RPG bombs, ammunition and three improvised explosive device canisters.
The military also revealed that troops, in collaboration with volunteer forces, had commenced follow-up operations aimed at tracking down fleeing insurgents and preventing their regrouping.
Despite the successful defence, Sani confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the encounter, while some military assets, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks, sustained minor damage.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice reflects the highest ideals of service and commitment to the defence of the nation,” he added.
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