Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a major coordinated assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters on military formations in Buni Gari, Yobe State, killing more than 50 terrorists during a fierce overnight battle that also claimed the lives of two soldiers.
The military said the attack targeted the Headquarters of the 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari Checkpoint in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2026. According to Operation HADIN KAI, the insurgents launched the offensive around 2:00 a.m. from multiple directions in what was described as a desperate attempt to overrun the military base.
In a statement issued after the operation, the military said troops responded with “devastating firepower, tactical brilliance and resolute determination,” successfully preventing the attackers from breaching the camp despite the intensity of the assault.
“The assault, launched at approximately 0200 hours under the cover of darkness by a large number of terrorists from multiple axes, was met with devastating firepower, tactical brilliance and resolute determination by troops who held their ground and inflicted catastrophic losses on the attackers,” the statement said.
Military authorities disclosed that the terrorists first attacked from the western flank before reinforcing through the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later advancing from the south-western flank in an effort to encircle the troops. Soldiers reportedly countered the attack with coordinated offensive-defensive tactics and sustained indirect fire operations that weakened and dismantled the insurgents’ advance.
The military said the attackers eventually retreated in disarray after suffering heavy casualties, with some insurgents seen evacuating their dead and wounded colleagues during the withdrawal. Troops later recovered at least 10 bodies within the immediate battle area, while intelligence reports indicated that additional corpses were discovered across bushes along the terrorists’ escape routes toward Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was also credited with playing a decisive role in the operation by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. According to the military, precision airstrikes were launched against confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing insurgents, leading to additional casualties among the attackers.
“In a synchronised air-land operation, precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, accounting for an additional 20 terrorists neutralised as aircraft pursued retreating insurgents along their escape corridors,” the military stated.
Following the battle, troops recovered several weapons and explosive devices from the fleeing terrorists, including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket-Propelled Grenade launchers, RPG bombs, ammunition boxes, loaded magazines, and Improvised Explosive Device canisters.
The military, however, confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the engagement. Operation HADIN KAI paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing them as gallant troops who demonstrated exceptional courage in defending the nation.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement added.
Operation HADIN KAI further said troops and local volunteer forces were continuing exploitation operations across the general area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent any regrouping attempts. While some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks sustained minor damage during the fighting, all wounded personnel were reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
