Nigerian troops have killed at least 20 suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a senior commander, during coordinated operations in Yobe State, the military said.
The Joint Task Force in the North East said the raids were carried out in Goniri community in Gujba Local Government Area, beginning late on Monday and continuing into the early hours of Tuesday.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI, said the insurgents had launched coordinated attacks on military positions under Sector 2 in what appeared to be an attempt to encircle troops advancing from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis.
Troops responded with “superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres,” supported by reinforcements and air power, forcing the militants to retreat after suffering heavy casualties, including a commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula.
Some soldiers were injured during the clashes but were evacuated for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition, the military said.
Security forces recovered several bodies, weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices abandoned by the fleeing fighters. Follow-up operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, particularly around Gwaigomari, led to the discovery of additional militant casualties, according to the statement.
The military said the affected areas remain under firm control of government forces, with ground troops and air assets continuing clearance operations in surrounding communities to track down surviving insurgents.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts aimed at defeating insurgency and restoring stability across Nigeria’s conflict-hit North-East, while senior commanders commended troops for their resilience and operational performance.
