Night Battle in Yobe: Nigerian Troops Kill Over 20 ISWAP Fighters, Defend Military Base

Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully fought off a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing more than 20 terrorists during a fierce overnight battle in Yobe State.

According to reports reaching BuzzVaultNG, the attack happened between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10 when insurgents launched an assault on a military base in Goniri.

The terrorists reportedly tried to surround the soldiers by advancing from different directions, including Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis. However, the troops detected their movement early through surveillance and quickly prepared for battle.

Soldiers responded with heavy gunfire and strong defensive tactics, preventing the attackers from taking over the base. Reinforcements were later sent to support the troops, while air support from Operation Hadin Kai helped push the terrorists back.

After an intense firefight, the insurgents were forced to retreat with heavy losses. Military authorities said more than 20 terrorists were killed during the clash, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, believed to be a key leader among the fighters.

Weapons and other dangerous items were also recovered from the fleeing insurgents. These include machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and different types of ammunition.

Further patrols carried out by troops in Gwaigomari, within the Timbuktu Triangle, led to the discovery of more terrorist bodies during follow-up operations.

Some soldiers were injured during the battle but have been evacuated for treatment and are currently in stable condition.

The military confirmed that the base in Goniri remains fully under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops. Security forces have also continued search operations in nearby communities where some wounded insurgents are believed to have fled.

Military authorities praised the troops for their courage and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.