Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Managing Editor| Investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated overnight attack by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military formation in Goniri, located in Yobe State.Military authorities confirmed the development on Monday, describing the assault as a multi-directional offensive aimed at overwhelming troop positions at the strategic base in Goniri. In an official statement, the Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, said the attack occurred between 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, and about 3:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026. According to the military, insurgents launched simultaneous attacks from multiple directions in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to breach the defensive lines of the base.“The attacks occurred during the night of March 8–9, 2026, between 2200 hours and 0300 hours. The terrorists launched simultaneous assaults from several directions in an apparent attempt to overwhelm troop positions,” Uba said. Troops stationed at the formation mounted a strong resistance, coordinating defensive operations with reinforcements and aerial support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. “Fighting across multiple fronts, the troops effectively coordinated their defensive actions, while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive support during the engagements,” Uba added. The military said the insurgents were eventually forced to retreat after sustaining significant casualties, with several bodies reportedly left behind on the battlefield. However, the statement acknowledged that the intensity of the fighting briefly allowed insurgents to breach parts of the defensive perimeter of the base. Some structures and military vehicles within the formation were also damaged during the exchange of gunfire. Despite the breach and damage to facilities, the military confirmed that troops maintained operational control of the base throughout the confrontation. Authorities also disclosed that the clash resulted in casualties among Nigerian troops, although the military did not immediately provide specific figures. In the aftermath of the attack, ground forces supported by aerial assets have launched follow-up operations to track fleeing insurgents and prevent further attacks in the surrounding area. The attempted assault highlights the persistent security challenges facing northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and ISWAP militants continue to target military installations and civilian communities despite years of counterinsurgency operations. Security analysts say coordinated assaults on military positions remain a tactic used by insurgent groups to seize weapons, disrupt troop deployments, and demonstrate operational capability in the region. Sources: Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; Premium Times; The Cable.

Afilawos Magana Sur

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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