At least 50 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been killed following air strikes by Nigerian military aircraft after a failed assault on Ngoshe community in Borno State.
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on fleeing insurgents after they attacked Nigerian Army artillery positions in the border community located in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The development came as President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the violence.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president extended condolences to families of victims, including civilians and military personnel killed during the assault.
Tinubu also acknowledged that some casualties occurred during an aerial operation by the Nigerian Air Force targeting fleeing terrorists, in what authorities described as friendly fire.
The president described the incident as a cruel and senseless attack on innocent citizens and urged Nigerians not to give in to fear.
Terrorists attacked artillery positions
Security sources said insurgents launched a coordinated attack on Nigerian Army artillery positions in Ngoshe around 7.30 pm on March 3.
The attackers attempted to overrun the military position in a surprise assault.
A military officer involved in the operation said troops carried out a tactical withdrawal under heavy fire to protect personnel and equipment while reinforcements were mobilised.
“The terrorists attempted to seize our artillery positions through a surprise evening attack,” the officer said.
Air strikes hit fleeing insurgents
After receiving intelligence from troops on the ground, military aircraft were deployed to strike insurgents attempting to escape along withdrawal routes.
According to security sources, the fighters were seen moving in clusters in two separate locations before the air strikes were launched.
“Precision strikes were carried out on confirmed target clusters and movement trails,” a source said.
Battle damage assessment later indicated that more than 50 insurgents were killed during two separate strike runs.
Ground and air coordination under Operation Hadin Kai ensured the fleeing fighters were tracked and engaged for nearly an hour as they attempted to retreat into forested areas.
Tinubu orders stronger security measures
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their swift response to the attack.
He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue people abducted during the incident and strengthen protection for communities in the North-East.
The president also urged the military to improve protection of civilians and prevent further attacks on military formations in the region.
Ngoshe, located about 12 kilometres south of Pulka near the Cameroon border, has faced repeated attacks by insurgents between 2013 and 2024, forcing many residents to seek refuge across the border for years.
Tinubu prayed for the souls of those killed in the attack and the subsequent military operation.
