Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a military formation in Yobe State, killing no fewer than 50 insurgents during the fierce encounter.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
According to the military, the terrorists launched the attack around 2am on Thursday, targeting the Headquarters of the 27 Brigade in Buni Gari from different directions.
The statement explained that the insurgents initially advanced through the western flank before reinforcing from the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later attempted to surround troops from the south-western corridor.
The army, however, said troops responded with heavy firepower and tactical resistance, forcing the attackers into retreat after suffering significant 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,” the statement read.
Military authorities stated that at least 50 terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while several arms and ammunition were recovered from fleeing insurgents.
The army added that troops employed indirect fire and offensive-defensive tactics throughout the engagement, preventing the attackers from breaching the military facility.
It noted that an exploitation operation conducted after the battle led to the recovery of 10 bodies within the vicinity of the brigade headquarters, while intelligence reports indicated that more corpses were discovered along withdrawal routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was also said to have played a major role in the operation by providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, alongside precision air strikes on identified terrorist positions and retreating fighters.
According to the statement, the coordinated air and ground assault accounted for additional casualties among the insurgents as fighter aircraft pursued them along escape routes.
Items recovered from the terrorists included eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, ammunition boxes, loaded magazines, bandoliers and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The military disclosed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minor damage during the exchange of fire.
It also confirmed the death of two soldiers during the operation, describing them as gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The army added that follow-up operations involving troops and volunteer forces were ongoing to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent regrouping attempts in the area.
