Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a late-night attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base of the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori, Borno State.

Military authorities said the failed attack occurred between late Saturday, May 9, and the early hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026, under Sector 2 of the North-East counter-insurgency operation.

The terrorists were said to have advanced toward the location from the Mandunari axis at about midnight but were detected early by troops on ambush positions.

Security sources disclosed that troops immediately launched a coordinated spoiling attack, forcing the insurgents into a heavy exchange of fire before air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and the Nigerian Army Aviation joined the operation.

The combined air-land assault reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists, while troops successfully defended the camp without any breach or loss of equipment.

Exploitation of the general area after the encounter reportedly revealed blood trails, body parts and several terrorist corpses within the vicinity, indicating significant casualties among the attackers.

Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two PKT machine guns, five AK-47 rifles, belts of assorted ammunition and other items abandoned by the insurgents.

Military authorities confirmed that some soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter but were stable and receiving medical attention.

They added that exploitation and pursuit operations were ongoing to track fleeing terrorists and consolidate gains recorded during the operation.

The military said the latest failed attack further demonstrated the operational readiness of troops and the continued pressure being mounted against terrorist groups across the North-East theatre. (Zagazola)

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