Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled another ISWAP attack on the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori, stopping the terrorists after a fierce overnight battle.
Fresh Attack Hits Gonori Base
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), fought back when Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori under Sector 2.
The attack started late on Saturday, 9 May 2026, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026.
However, the latest assault came barely 24 hours after troops foiled another large-scale coordinated attack by the same group on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade in Buni Gari and the Buni Gari Checkpoint in the early hours of Thursday, 8 May 2026.
During that clash, troops killed no fewer than 50 insurgents and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from fleeing terrorists.
Meanwhile, ISWAP fighters attempted to overrun four military formations across the North-east theatre in less than 48 hours.
The wave of attacks started with an assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Magumeri under Sector 3.
Consequently, the Magumeri attack led to the death of two soldiers, while troops also killed scores of ISWAP fighters. Parts of the facility suffered damage during the fighting.
Over the past two months, Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have reportedly launched no fewer than a dozen failed attempts to overrun military formations in the North-east operational area.
Security Sources Seek Stronger Offensive
Furthermore, security sources described the repeated attacks on military facilities as a serious concern that needs urgent and firm action.
According to the sources, troops should intensify offensive strikes on terrorist enclaves instead of staying on the defensive.
Military analysts have often stressed the need for sustained pressure on insurgent camps in the Lake Chad region and Sambisa axis. Institute for Security Studies
Army Confirms Failed Assault
In response, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, confirmed that troops repelled the Gonori attack.
He said the terrorists advanced from the Mandunari axis at about midnight, but an ambush team detected them early and engaged them.
Colonel Sani added that troops recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two PKTs, five AK-47 rifles, several belts of assorted ammunition, and other personal effects.
Meanwhile, Colonel Sani said wounded soldiers remained stable and were receiving medical care.
He added that the failed attack showed the operational strength of OPHK and proved the futility of terrorist aggression against well-fortified and battle-ready troops across the theatre.
