Troops neutralize over 20 terrorists and foil coordinated attacks in Yobe

Troops neutralize over 20 terrorists and foil coordinated attacks in Yobe

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), deployed in Goniri, OPHK Sector 2, have successfully foiled coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP terrorists on their position in Goniri, Yobe State, killing over 20 terrorists. The attacks occurred from the night of Monday 9 March 2026 until the early hours of Tuesday 10 March 2026, when troops came under heavy attack from multiple directions.

The terrorists were initially spotted through surveillance assets simultaneously advancing from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction in an apparent attempt to surround the military position. Impressively, the alert and gallant troops responded quickly with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, effectively coordinating their defensive actions.

Reinforcements were promptly mobilized while the air component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive close air support, further degrading the terrorists’ combat capability. During the intense firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, suffering heavy losses. Over 20 terrorists were neutralized, including a high-level terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.

After the failed attack, troops recovered several bodies of terrorists along with weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat. The recovered items include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibers.

Further exploitation and clearance operations by troops in the general Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of further terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted until the early hours of Wednesday 11 March 2026.

The troops who sustained injuries during the clash were immediately evacuated for medical treatment and are currently in a stable condition. The location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops. Ground forces, supported by the air component, are currently conducting aggressive follow-up operations in the surrounding areas. Further search and clearance operations are underway in nearby communities where some injured terrorists are suspected to have fled.

Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute and committed to the complete defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and security in the North Eastern region. The Military High Command praised the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.