Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian military operating under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a large-scale coordinated attack launched by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in parts of Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents in a fierce overnight battle that once again highlighted the continuing intensity of Nigeria’s fight against extremist groups in the North-East.
Military sources said the attempted assault occurred late at night when insurgent fighters advanced toward a military position in Yobe State in what appeared to be a carefully planned offensive. The militants reportedly approached the base from multiple directions in a bid to overwhelm troops stationed at the facility. Such tactics are commonly used by insurgent groups operating in the Lake Chad region, where surprise and coordinated movements are intended to disorient soldiers and breach defensive lines.
The attack reportedly began at about 10:00 p.m. and continued into the early hours of the morning, with the battle lasting several hours. During the confrontation, the insurgents opened fire using a range of weapons including heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The attackers also attempted to break through the defensive perimeter of the military base.
However, troops stationed at the facility quickly responded, engaging the insurgents with sustained counterfire and tactical manoeuvres designed to repel the advancing fighters. Reinforcements and support from the air component of Operation Hadin Kai were also mobilised to assist ground troops during the confrontation.
Military officials later confirmed that the coordinated defence mounted by the soldiers forced the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. More than 20 insurgents were reportedly killed during the intense exchange of gunfire.
Among those said to have been neutralised was a senior ISWAP commander identified as Abu Yusu, described by military sources as the Munzir of Dursula within the insurgent group’s hierarchy. His death is believed to represent a significant operational setback for the militant network in the region.
Following the battle, troops conducted a search of the surrounding area and recovered several weapons and items abandoned by fleeing insurgents. Among the recovered items were machine guns, AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, mortar bombs and a large quantity of assorted ammunition.
Military authorities said the recovery of these weapons further weakens the operational capability of the insurgent group and disrupts their supply chain.
The intensity of the fighting also resulted in damage to parts of the military installation targeted during the attack. Some sections of the defensive structures and equipment within the base sustained damage as a result of the heavy exchange of gunfire and explosives. Despite this, the military confirmed that the base remained firmly under the control of government forces by the time the engagement ended.
While the insurgents suffered heavy casualties, the military also acknowledged losses on the side of government troops. Several soldiers were killed during the confrontation, including a senior officer described as a courageous and dedicated leader who died while defending the position.
Other soldiers who sustained injuries during the clash were evacuated to military medical facilities for treatment. According to officials, the wounded troops are receiving care and are said to be responding well.
In the hours following the confrontation, troops launched follow-up clearance operations across nearby communities and forested areas believed to be possible escape routes for the insurgents. Patrol teams were deployed to track down fighters who may have fled with injuries and to prevent them from regrouping.
These operations involved cordon-and-search activities in surrounding settlements and remote areas suspected to serve as temporary hideouts for insurgent cells operating within the region.
Security analysts say the attack reflects a recurring pattern used by ISWAP militants across parts of the North-East. Insurgent groups frequently attempt to raid military bases in order to capture weapons, destroy equipment or demonstrate continued operational presence despite ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The Lake Chad basin, including parts of Borno and Yobe states, remains one of the most volatile theatres of Nigeria’s long-running conflict with extremist groups.
Operation Hadin Kai, which currently coordinates the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the region, brings together ground forces, intelligence units and air support in joint operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks.
The operation replaced the earlier Operation Lafiya Dole and has since become the central military campaign against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP across the North-East.
Over the years, troops deployed under Operation Hadin Kai have engaged insurgents in numerous battles, including attacks on forward operating bases, ambushes on patrol units and raids on villages and rural communities.
Military authorities say that while insurgent groups have lost significant territory over the years, they continue to rely on guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks against isolated military positions.
Local residents in many parts of the region often rely on nearby military formations for protection against insurgent attacks. As a result, the defence of these positions is considered vital not only for military operations but also for the safety of surrounding communities.
The successful defence of the Yobe military base has therefore been seen as a major operational achievement for troops involved in the confrontation.
Military officials praised the soldiers for their bravery and professionalism in repelling the attack under extremely challenging circumstances. They noted that the troops demonstrated resilience and discipline by holding their ground despite the scale of the assault.
The Nigerian military continues to maintain that its operations have significantly weakened insurgent capabilities in the region through sustained offensives, destruction of camps and elimination of key commanders.
Nevertheless, the latest clash serves as a reminder that the insurgency remains an ongoing security challenge more than a decade after the conflict first erupted.
For communities across the North-East, the battle once again highlights the dangers faced by soldiers deployed in the region and the continued importance of military operations aimed at restoring long-term stability.
As troops continue follow-up operations in the area, military authorities say they remain determined to prevent insurgent groups from regaining strength while protecting civilians and critical infrastructure throughout the region.
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