Troops Wipe Out 50 ISWAP Fighters in Yobe as Terror Raid on Army Base Ends in Total Bloodbath
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a deadly overnight assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, neutralising no fewer than 50 terrorists in a fierce battle at Buni Gari, Yobe State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, saying the attack targeted the Headquarters of 27 Brigade and a nearby checkpoint in a coordinated strike launched under the cover of darkness at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, the attackers advanced in multiple waves, attempting to overrun the military formation from several directions, including the western, southern and south-western flanks.
However, troops responded with overwhelming firepower and tactical superiority, forcing the insurgents into retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
“The assault, launched under the cover of darkness by a large number of terrorists from multiple axes, was met with devastating firepower and resolute determination by troops who held their ground and inflicted catastrophic losses on the attackers,” the statement said.
Military sources disclosed that at least 50 terrorists were killed during the engagement, while several others fled with injuries, abandoning weapons and corpses in the surrounding bushes.
Follow-up exploitation of the area reportedly led to the recovery of 10 bodies near the immediate battle zone, while intelligence assessments indicated that more than 20 additional corpses were found along escape routes around Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya.
The army also confirmed that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI played a decisive role in the operation, providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision airstrikes on fleeing insurgents.
“In a synchronised air-land operation, precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, accounting for additional neutralisations along escape corridors,” the statement added.
A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG launchers, explosives, and large quantities of ammunition.
Recovered items include eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, RPG bombs, chargers, and multiple rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Despite the success of the operation, the military confirmed casualties on its side, disclosing that two soldiers were killed during the intense exchange of fire.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service and courage,” the army stated.
The military added that clearance and pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping in the area, as troops maintain heightened security across the region.