Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed at least 50 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement released by the Joint Task Force (North East) spokesperson, Sani Uba, on Saturday.
According to the military, the terrorists launched the assault around 2 a.m. on Thursday from different directions, targeting both the brigade headquarters and the Buni Gari checkpoint. The attackers reportedly advanced through several flanks in an attempt to surround troops stationed in the area.
The army stated that soldiers responded with heavy firepower and defensive tactics, successfully repelling the insurgents and inflicting major casualties on them. It added that the troops prevented any breach of the military formation during the confrontation.
Military authorities said follow-up operations and area exploitation confirmed the recovery of several terrorist bodies, while intelligence reports indicated that additional corpses were discovered along escape routes leading toward nearby communities.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was also said to have supported ground troops through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted airstrikes against fleeing insurgents. According to the statement, the joint air and land offensive contributed significantly to the high casualty figures recorded among the attackers.
Security forces recovered several weapons and ammunition from the scene, including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, ammunition boxes, magazines, and Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The military confirmed that some operational vehicles sustained minor damage during the battle, while injured personnel are currently receiving medical attention.
The army also announced that two soldiers lost their lives during the operation, describing them as courageous personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country.
Troops, alongside volunteer security forces, have reportedly begun pursuit operations aimed at tracking down fleeing terrorists and preventing any attempt to regroup within the area.
