Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a military location in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during the encounter.

The attack occurred from the night of Monday, 9 March 2026, into the early hours of Tuesday, 10 March 2026, when terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on troops deployed in Goniri under Sector 2 of the operation.

According to military sources, the insurgents were initially detected through surveillance assets as they advanced from Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to encircle the military base.

Troops responded swiftly with coordinated defensive tactics and superior firepower. Reinforcements were immediately mobilised, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support that significantly weakened the attacking terrorists.

During the intense firefight, the insurgents were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray after suffering heavy casualties. Among those killed was a senior terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.

Following the failed assault, troops recovered several bodies of the insurgents along with weapons and other equipment abandoned during their retreat. Items recovered include machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition.

Further clearance operations carried out in the Gwaigomari area within the Timbuktu Triangle also led to the discovery of additional insurgent bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Some soldiers who sustained injuries during the operation were evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. Military authorities confirmed that the location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops.

Ground forces, supported by air operations, are currently conducting follow-up missions across surrounding areas, including search operations in nearby communities where some of the wounded terrorists are believed to have fled.

The military high command commended the troops for their bravery and resilience, reaffirming Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the North-East region.