Goniri, Yobe State, Nigeria – March 11, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled coordinated attacks by terrorists linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on their location in Goniri, Yobe State, killing more than 20 insurgents during a fierce firefight.
The troops, deployed in Goniri under Sector 2 of the operation, came under heavy assault from multiple directions between the night of Monday, March 9, 2026, and the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
According to military authorities, the terrorists were initially detected through surveillance assets as they advanced simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu Junction axis in an apparent attempt to encircle the military location.
However, vigilant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, effectively coordinating defensive actions to repel the attackers.
Reinforcements were immediately mobilised while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided decisive close air support, significantly weakening the terrorists’ combat capability.
During the intense exchange of fire, the insurgents were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray after suffering heavy casualties. Among those killed was a senior terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, reportedly the Munzir of Dursula.
Troops recovered several bodies of the insurgents along with weapons and equipment abandoned during their retreat. Recovered items included multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibres.
Further exploitation and clearance operations by troops in the general area of Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Some soldiers who sustained injuries during the encounter were promptly evacuated for medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities confirmed that the location remains firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops. Ground forces, supported by the Air Component, are continuing aggressive follow-up operations in surrounding areas.
Additional search and clearance missions are also ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists are suspected to have fled.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its resolve to ensure the complete defeat of terrorism and restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East region.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational momentum in the fight against insurgency.
The statement was issued by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, on March 11, 2026.