Troops of operation HADIN KAI have neutralised at least 50 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a coordinated attack on the headquarters of 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe state.
UThe Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued by Lt. Col. Sani, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI
According to the military, the terrorists launched the attack around 2am 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 reinforcing through the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later attempted to encircle troops from the south-western corridor.
However, troops reportedly repelled the assault using coordinated offensive and defensive firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
“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 who held their ground and inflicted catastrophic losses on the attackers,” the statement said.
The military stated that no part of the formation was breached during the encounter.
It added that follow-up exploitation operations confirmed the recovery of 10 terrorist corpses around the vicinity, while intelligence reports indicated that more than 20 additional bodies were discovered along withdrawal routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also provided intelligence and aerial support during the operation, carrying out precision strikes on identified terrorist positions and fleeing insurgents.
Recovered items from the scene included eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, loaded magazines, ammunition boxes, bandoliers and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The army further disclosed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minor damage during the attack.
It also confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the operation, while injured personnel are currently receiving treatment.
The military said troops, alongside volunteer forces, have launched follow-up clearance operations aimed at tracking fleeing terrorists and preventing regrouping attempts within the area.