Troops of Operation HADIN KAI killed at least 50 alleged Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists during a coordinated attack on the 27 Brigade Headquarters in Buni Gari, Yobe State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed this in a statement published on Saturday by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched the attack at around 2 a.m. on Thursday from numerous directions, aiming for the brigade headquarters and the Buni Gari checkpoint.
According to the army, the attackers pushed from the western flank before reinforcing along the southern axis near Ganinga Junction and then attempted to encircle the forces from the south-western side.
“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 and inflicted catastrophic losses on the attackers.
“No fewer than 50 terrorists were neutralized, while a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the fleeing remnants,” the statement read.
The military used indirect fire and offensive-defensive tactics to repel the insurgents, causing them to flee and evacuate some of their dead and wounded militants.
No part of the military structure was broken during the attack.
“At no point was any part of the camp breached, as the integrity of the location remained fully intact throughout the engagement.
“Exploitation of the general area confirmed the recovery of 10 terrorist corpses within the immediate vicinity, while human intelligence reports indicate that over 20 additional bodies were scattered across bushes around Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes,” he stated.
The army further stated that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support throughout the operation, allowing for precise air strikes on identified terrorist locations and fleeing terrorists.
“In a synchronized air-land operation, precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, accounting for an additional 20 terrorists neutralized as aircraft pursued retreating insurgents along their escape corridors,” he added.
Eight AK-47 rifles, two general-purpose machine guns, two rocket-propelled grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, 7.62mm ammunition boxes, loaded magazines, bandoliers, and three improvised explosive device canisters were among the things recovered.
The military revealed that some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks were minorly damaged during the operation, while injured servicemen were being treated.
It further stated that two soldiers were slain during the confrontation.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the nation,” the statement added.
The army said troops and volunteer groups were conducting follow-up operations to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent regrouping attempts in the area.
