The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Yobe State, even as insurgent assaults continue across the North-East.
Army spokesperson Sani Uba said troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-East under Operation HADIN KAI fought off terrorists who attacked their location in Goniri, located in Gujba Local Government Area.
According to the statement, troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion detected the attackers—believed to be fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)—through surveillance as they approached the military camp from multiple directions.
The attack occurred between the night of March 9 and the early hours of March 10, with the insurgents attempting to surround the military base from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction.
Uba said the soldiers responded with strong defensive manoeuvres and firepower, while reinforcements and air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI helped repel the attackers.
More than 20 terrorists were reportedly killed during the confrontation, including a senior ISWAP commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula.
Troops also recovered several weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing fighters, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, bombs and ammunition.
Although parts of the base’s defensive perimeter were temporarily breached and some structures and vehicles were damaged during the battle, the army said the location remains firmly under military control.
Injured soldiers were evacuated and are currently receiving treatment, with officials reporting that they are in stable condition.
Renewed Attacks in Borno
The attack comes amid a series of renewed assaults on military bases in neighbouring Borno State.
According to reports, at least five military formations have been targeted within a week. On Monday, suspected ISWAP fighters attacked bases in Goniri and Kukawa, killing a commanding officer, Umar Farouq, along with several other soldiers.
Farouq became the third senior military officer killed in less than a week during the renewed wave of attacks.
Other military camps in Mainok, Jakana, Marte and Konduga were also attacked, though the army said troops repelled the assaults and killed several terrorists.
Security analysts link the growing attacks to the “Camp Holocaust” campaign reportedly launched by ISWAP to target military formations in the region.
Reports by the Good Governance Africa and the Institute for Security Studies indicate that about 16 military bases were attacked last year under the campaign, with roughly 500 people killed in more than 200 incidents.
The recent attacks also highlight the increasing use of advanced weapons by insurgents, including armed drones during assaults on military locations in the region.
