Nigerian Army overpowers ISWAP terrorists, eliminates over 20

Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — Troops of Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Yobe State, eliminating over 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The troops, deployed in Goniri under Sector 2 of OPHK, repelled the assault launched on their location, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.

According to a statement issued on March 11, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the attacks occurred between the night of Monday, March 9, and the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, when troops came under heavy assault from multiple directions.

The statement explained: “The terrorists were initially detected through surveillance assets advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in an apparent attempt to encircle the military location. Impressively, the vigilant and gallant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, effectively coordinating their defensive actions.”

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Reinforcements were promptly mobilized, while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, further degrading the terrorists’ combat capability. During the intense firefight, the insurgents were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, leaving behind over 20 dead, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.

Recovered items included machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition. Follow-up clearance operations in Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle uncovered additional terrorist bodies during patrols conducted up to Wednesday, March 11.

Troops who sustained injuries were evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. The location remains firmly under military control, with aggressive follow-up operations ongoing in surrounding communities where wounded terrorists are suspected to have fled.

The statement concluded: “Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute and committed to the complete defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North-East region. The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience while urging them to sustain the operational tempo.”