From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West African Province, ISWAP, Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Military authorities also confirmed that at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists were also killed when troops foiled an attack on Goniri Town in Gujba Local Government Area.
A statement yesterday by the spokesman of the JTF, Lieutenant-Colonel Aba Sani, said troops deployed in Goniri, under Sector 2 of OPHK, successfully foiled coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP terrorists on their location, killing over 20 terrorists including their commander.
According to him, the attacks occurred from the night of Monday, March 9 through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10 when the troops came under heavy assault from multiple directions.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the terrorists were initially detected through surveillance assets advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction axis in an attempt to encircle the military location.
The statement added that the vigilant and gallant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, effectively coordinating their defensive actions.
The said reinforcements were promptly mobilised while the air component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive close air support, further degrading the terrorists combat capability.
Sani said during the intense firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, suffering heavy casualties.
Following the failed attack, troops recovered several terrorists bodies along with weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat.
Items recovered, according to the statement, include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibres.
“Further exploitation and clearance operations by troops in the general area of Gwaigomari within Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11.
“Troops who sustained injuries during the encounter were immediately evacuated for medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
“The location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops. Ground forces, supported by the air component, are currently conducting aggressive follow-up operations in the surrounding areas.
“Additional search and clearance operations are ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are suspected to have fled,” Sani added.
The military assured that 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.
