By Our Correspondent

National News – Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during an intense overnight battle.

Military authorities said the attempted assault occurred between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10, when insurgents launched attacks from multiple directions in a bid to overrun the troops’ position.

The coordinated offensive targeted military formations stationed in Goniri under Sector 2 of the counter-insurgency operation in Nigeria’s North-East.

According to the Joint Task Force spokesperson, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, surveillance units first detected the insurgents advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis.

The movement suggested an attempt by the terrorists to encircle the military base and overwhelm the troops with a surprise multi-directional assault.

However, the troops responded swiftly after confirming the insurgents’ approach.

Reinforcements were mobilised while the air component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support, allowing ground forces to counter the attack with superior firepower and coordinated defensive manoeuvres.

During the fierce firefight that followed, the insurgents were forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

Military authorities confirmed that more than 20 fighters were neutralised in the confrontation, including a senior ISWAP commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula.

Security forces also recovered several weapons abandoned by fleeing militants.

The items included multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, bombs, and assorted ammunition.

Following the clash, troops carried out clearance operations in surrounding locations, including Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle, where additional bodies of insurgents were discovered during patrols conducted up to March 11.

The military confirmed that soldiers injured during the battle were evacuated to medical facilities and are currently in stable condition.

Authorities added that the area remains firmly under military control, while aggressive search-and-clearance operations continue in nearby communities where wounded insurgents are believed to have fled.