Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Headquarters of the 27 Brigade and a military checkpoint in Buni Gari, Yobe State, killing no fewer than 50 insurgents.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists launched assaults from multiple directions under the cover of darkness.
The military said troops responded with “devastating firepower” and successfully prevented the insurgents from breaching the camp.
The statement explained that the attackers initially advanced from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern and south-western axes in an attempt to surround troops. However, soldiers reportedly held their positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents.
Military authorities disclosed that at least 10 terrorist bodies were recovered around the battle area, while intelligence reports indicated that more bodies were discovered along withdrawal routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also carried out precision airstrikes on fleeing insurgents after providing surveillance and intelligence support during the operation. The military said the airstrikes accounted for an additional 20 terrorists killed.
Troops recovered several weapons and ammunition from the insurgents, including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, RPG bombs, ammunition boxes and Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The military added that troops, supported by volunteer forces, have continued clearance and pursuit operations across the area to prevent the regrouping of fleeing terrorists.
Some military equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks, sustained minor damage during the confrontation, while wounded personnel are receiving treatment.
The operation, however, recorded the death of two soldiers during the exchange of fire.
Operation HADIN KAI described the fallen soldiers as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country, adding that troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
