Nigerian Troops Foil Coordinated ISWAP Attacks, Kill Commander and 19 Insurgents in Yobe
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Yobe State, neutralizing over twenty Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents. Among those killed was a senior terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, known as the Munzir of Dursula.
Details of the Military Engagement
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed this information in an official statement released on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. According to the statement, the terrorists specifically targeted military positions under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI in Goniri, Yobe State.
The coordinated assaults commenced during the night of Monday, March 9, 2026, and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Troops stationed at the location came under heavy fire from multiple directions as terrorists attempted to encircle the military position.
Swift Response and Tactical Superiority
Surveillance assets initially detected the terrorists advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis. The vigilant and gallant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical maneuvers, effectively coordinating their defensive actions against the onslaught.
Reinforcements were promptly mobilized to support the embattled troops, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive close air support. This aerial intervention further degraded the terrorists' combat capability and disrupted their offensive operations.
Overwhelming Victory and Recovery Operations
During the intense firefight that ensued, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, suffering heavy casualties in the process. Following the failed attack, troops conducted recovery operations and discovered several terrorist bodies along with weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat.
Recovered items included multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition of various calibres. These weapons represent significant losses for the terrorist organizations operating in the region.
Follow-up Operations and Area Clearance
Further exploitation and clearance operations by troops in the general area of Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Ground forces, supported by the Air Component, are currently conducting aggressive follow-up operations in the surrounding areas to pursue any remaining insurgents. Additional search and clearance operations are ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are suspected to have fled for medical treatment.
Military Control and Casualty Management
The location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with security forces maintaining a strong presence in the area. Troops who sustained injuries during the encounter were immediately evacuated for medical attention and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Commitment to Regional Security
Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute and committed to the complete defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North-East region of Nigeria. The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience during the engagement while urging them to sustain the operational tempo against terrorist elements.
This successful operation represents another significant setback for terrorist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria and demonstrates the continued effectiveness of coordinated military responses to security threats in the region.
