Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle.
The troops, deployed under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North-East), came under heavy assault from multiple directions between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10, 2026. The attackers reportedly advanced simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to encircle the military position.
According to the military, the movement of the insurgents was detected early through surveillance assets, allowing the troops to mount a swift and coordinated response. The soldiers engaged the attackers with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, successfully defending their position.
Reinforcements were quickly mobilised while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, further weakening the insurgents’ offensive capability. The intense firefight forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray after suffering heavy losses.
Military authorities said more than 20 insurgents were neutralised during the encounter, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, said to be the “Munzir” of Dursula.
Troops subsequently recovered several bodies of the insurgents, as well as weapons and equipment abandoned during their withdrawal. Items recovered include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and assorted ammunition.
Further clearance operations conducted in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional insurgent bodies during follow-up patrols carried out up to the early hours of March 11.
Some soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter but were immediately evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities confirmed that the Goniri location remains firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops. Ground forces, supported by air assets, have since launched aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding communities, where some fleeing insurgents are believed to have sought refuge.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational momentum as efforts continue to defeat insurgency and restore lasting peace across the North-East.
