TROOPS REPEL ISWAP ATTACKS IN YOBE, RECOVER CONTROL IN NGOSHE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East successfully repelled coordinated assaults by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Yobe State, killing over 20 insurgents, including a senior commander, Abu Yusu, known as the Munzir of Dursula.

The attacks targeted military positions in Goniri under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI from the night of Monday, March 9, through the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Surveillance assets detected insurgents advancing from multiple directions in an attempt to encircle the troops.

The Joint Task Force responded with coordinated defensive maneuvers, mobilised reinforcements, and received close air support, overwhelming the attackers. Several weapons and equipment—including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and ammunition—were recovered. Injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Follow-up clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, particularly in Gwaigomari, revealed additional insurgent casualties. The military confirmed that the locations remain under its firm control.

Separately, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked a nomadic settlement in Wuturo, Konduga LGA, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at around 2230 hours. One herder, Ahmadu Baida (40), was killed, and another, Mohammadu Baida (30), sustained a gunshot wound. The attackers also rustled approximately 1,400 sheep, according to the Borno State Police Command.

The military had earlier reclaimed its base in Ngoshe after an ISWAP attack earlier in the month. In response, Minister of Defence announced plans to adjust military operations across the North-East to counter insurgent threats effectively.

Operation HADIN KAI continues to conduct aggressive ground and air operations to restore lasting peace and security in the region.