Terrorists Attack Military Base in Yobe as Insurgent Assaults Escalate in North-East
Damaturu, Nigeria — Nigerian troops have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, even as insurgent assaults continue to intensify in neighbouring Borno State, the military has confirmed.
The Nigerian Army said fighters suspected to belong to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched the attack on the base operated by troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI. The assault occurred between the night of 9 March and the early hours of 10 March.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Sani Uba said the insurgents attempted to encircle the military location after approaching from multiple directions, including Goniri village and Ngamdu junction. However, troops detected the movement through surveillance assets and responded with coordinated defensive operations.
According to the military, soldiers repelled the attackers with what the spokesperson described as “exceptional manoeuvre and firepower,” while reinforcements and the air component of Operation HADIN KAI provided additional support during the confrontation.
Casualties and Recovered Weapons
Military authorities said the insurgents suffered heavy losses during the firefight. More than 20 suspected terrorists were reportedly killed, including a commander identified as Abu Yusu, believed to be the group’s Munzir of Dursula.
Troops also recovered several weapons abandoned by the fleeing attackers, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, bombs, and assorted ammunition. Follow-up patrols conducted in surrounding areas reportedly led to the recovery of additional bodies believed to belong to the attackers.
The army noted that although parts of the base’s defensive perimeter were temporarily breached and some infrastructure and vehicles were damaged during the intense exchange of fire, the location remains firmly under military control. Injured soldiers have been evacuated and are receiving treatment.
Renewed Insurgent Campaign
The Yobe attack comes amid a wave of coordinated assaults on military formations in Borno State, where insurgents have targeted several bases within a short period. Military sources say at least five formations have been attacked in less than a week, resulting in casualties among troops, including senior officers.
Security analysts say the resurgence of attacks may be linked to a militant campaign known as “Camp Holocaust,” reportedly launched by ISWAP to target military installations and seize weapons from army formations.
Despite the renewed assaults, the military said ground troops supported by air operations are continuing search and clearance missions in surrounding communities where wounded insurgents are believed to be hiding.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining counter-terror operations across the North-East until militant groups are decisively defeated.