Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Military Checkpoint, kill several terrorists in Yobe

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists on a military checkpoint along the Buni Yadi–Buni Gari road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing an unspecified number of insurgents.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday when heavily armed terrorists launched an assault on the checkpoint manned by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade.

The troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the terrorists to abandon the attack and retreat from the area.

However, the encounter claimed the lives of two soldiers who fought gallantly during the exchange of fire.

Military sources further disclosed that one military gun truck was destroyed during the attack.

The troops also reported the loss of one QJC machine gun and one AK-47 rifle during the engagement, while efforts are underway to account for and recover the missing weapons.

Sources said exploitation of the area is ongoing to determine the extent of casualties inflicted on the fleeing terrorists and to recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.

Reinforcements have since been deployed to the area to strengthen security and prevent any renewed attack.

The latest assault illustrates the continued efforts by ISWAP/JAS elements to target military positions in the North-East despite sustained offensive operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups.

Military authorities said troops remain on high alert and are continuing clearance and pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of action across the theatre.