Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade and a military checkpoint in Buni Gari, neutralising no fewer than 50 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was launched simultaneously from multiple directions as the terrorists attempted to overrun military positions under the cover of darkness.
Military sources said the insurgents initially attacked from the western flank before advancing through the Ganinga Junction axis and later pushing from the south-west in what appeared to be an effort to encircle troops.
However, soldiers reportedly responded with heavy firepower and coordinated tactical manoeuvres that forced the attackers into disarray.
According to the military, troops maintained control of the base throughout the encounter and prevented any breach of the camp despite the scale of the assault.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai also played a major role in the operation by providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support, while carrying out precision airstrikes on identified terrorist positions and fleeing fighters.
The coordinated air and ground offensives were said to have inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents, with several bodies reportedly sighted along escape routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.
Security sources disclosed that troops recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during exploitation operations conducted after the battle.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, RPG bombs, ammunition belts and Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
Troops and local volunteer forces are currently conducting follow-up clearance operations across surrounding areas to track fleeing terrorists and prevent any regrouping attempts.
The military, however, confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the engagement, while some personnel sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
Operation Hadin Kai described the fallen soldiers as gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The military added that the failed attack reflects increasing desperation among terrorist groups facing sustained operational pressure across the North-East theatre.