20 terrorists killed as troops foil ISWAP attack in Yobe
Over 20 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group have been killed by troops of Joint Task Force Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai. They were
Over 20 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group have been killed by troops of Joint Task Force Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai.
They were killed during failed attempts to attack a military location in Goniri, Gujba, Yobe State on Monday and Tuesday, a statement by the spokesman, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said.
Uba said their surveillance detected the insurgents advancing from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in what appeared to be an attempt to encircle the troops’ position.
He said the troops responded, deploying superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres to repel the attackers.
Reinforcements were mobilised while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support during the battle.
During the firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat, suffering casualties, the military said.
Among those killed was a senior terrorist leader identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
Troops recovered machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and assorted ammunition, among others.
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Follow-up exploitation and clearance around Gwaigomari in the Timbuktu Triangle also led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday.
The troops who were injured had been evacuated for treatment and were in stable condition.
It added that the location remains under the firm control of the troops, with ground forces, supported by air assets, continuing aggressive operations in surrounding areas.
Search and clearance are also ongoing in nearby communities where some fleeing terrorists are suspected to have taken refuge.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.
