Troops kill 50 ISWAP fighters, recover weapons in Yobe

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised at least 50 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during an attack on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the terrorists launched a coordinated assault around 2 a.m. on Thursday from multiple directions targeting the brigade headquarters and the Buni Gari checkpoint.

The army said the insurgents initially attacked from the western flank before advancing through the southern axis around Ganinga Junction and later attempting to encircle troops from the south-western flank.

“The assault, launched under the cover of darkness by a large number of terrorists from multiple axes, was met with devastating firepower, tactical brilliance and resolute determination by troops,” the statement said.

The military stated that troops deployed offensive and defensive tactics, including indirect fire, to repel the attackers and force them into retreat.

According to the army, no part of the military formation was breached during the operation.

“At no point was any part of the camp breached, as the integrity of the location remained fully intact throughout the engagement,” the statement added.

The military said at least 50 terrorists were killed during the operation, while a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from fleeing insurgents.

Recovered items included eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, loaded magazines, bandoliers and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.

The army further disclosed that follow-up exploitation operations around the area led to the recovery of 10 bodies of suspected terrorists, while intelligence reports indicated that additional bodies were discovered along escape routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was also said to have provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support during the operation, enabling precision air strikes on identified terrorist positions and fleeing fighters.

“In a synchronised air-land operation, precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements,” the statement noted.

The military confirmed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minor damage during the clash, while injured personnel were receiving medical attention.

The army also disclosed that two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.

“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement added.

Troops and volunteer forces have since launched follow-up operations aimed at tracking fleeing insurgents and preventing possible regrouping efforts in the area.