Troops repel ISWAP attack on Buni Gari, kill scores of terrorists

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI say they have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari checkpoint in northeastern Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, at about 2:00 a.m.

The military said the insurgents launched the assault from multiple directions under the cover of darkness in an attempt to overwhelm troops stationed in Buni Gari.

The statement noted that the attackers initially advanced from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later from the south-western flank.

However, troops reportedly resisted the attack with sustained firepower and tactical counter-operations, forcing the insurgents to retreat.

The military claimed that no fewer than 50 suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, including casualties inflicted through coordinated air interdiction operations conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support enabled precision strikes on fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes.

The military added that several bodies were recovered within the area, while intelligence reports indicated that additional casualties were discovered along escape routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.

Recovered items from the operation reportedly include 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 improvised explosive device canisters.

Troops, alongside volunteer forces, are said to be carrying out follow-up operations in the area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping.

The military also disclosed that some equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks, sustained minor damage during the confrontation.

It further confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the operation, while wounded personnel are currently receiving medical treatment.

Operation HADIN KAI described the fallen soldiers as gallant personnel who demonstrated courage and commitment in defending the country against insurgent attacks.

The military maintained that ongoing operations in the North-East continue to place sustained pressure on terrorist groups operating within the region.