Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 terrorists, including a senior commander.
The assaults began on the night of Monday, March 9, 2026, and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, with ISWAP militants attempting to encircle the military position from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis.
According to Lt-Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, the troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres. Reinforcements were deployed, and the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, significantly weakening the terrorists’ combat capability.
Among the casualties was Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula. The military recovered numerous weapons and equipment abandoned during the terrorists’ retreat, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition.
Follow-up patrols and clearance operations in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle revealed additional terrorist casualties, while injured soldiers were evacuated for medical attention and are reportedly in stable condition.
OPHK troops maintain firm control of the area, with ongoing ground and air operations targeting surrounding communities where wounded terrorists are believed to have fled. The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to maintain operational momentum.
