At least four soldiers have been confirmed dead following a surprise attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, also led to the destruction and looting of several operational equipment belonging to troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
Security sources revealed that the attack happened less than 24 hours after the 11th routine meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum was held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, where a multidimensional approach to combating insurgency in the region was adopted.
The ambush coincided with a critical leadership transition in the theatre of operations, as Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar had only just assumed command as the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, replacing Major General Waidi Shaibu, who was unexpectedly removed.
A military source who survived the assault recounted the terrifying moment the insurgents stormed their position around 2 a.m. from the western axis.
“We were taken off guard by the heavy explosion and gunfire, but we stood our ground. A lot of our fighting equipment has been destroyed during the encounter.
“Yes, we lost four of our men, just as they also recorded casualties during the fierce battle that lasted for hours,” he said.
The Nigerian Army, via its official Facebook page on Saturday morning, confirmed the confrontation, stating:
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI are currently in a fierce battle against an ISWAP attack at Buni Gari, Yobe State. Details later.”
However, as of the time of filing this report, the military had not released further information regarding casualties on either side.
Buni Yadi, where the attack took place, is the hometown of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and is located about 65 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital.
The assault also triggered panic among residents, many of whom reportedly fled their homes in search of safety.
A local source who fled to the local council headquarters in Buni Yadi told reporters that fleeing residents were seeking refuge in safer areas. The attack also disrupted road travel in the region.
“The military had shut down vehicular movement on the busy road, which serves as a link between Yobe and Biu and other towns in southern Borno,” said a stranded passenger, Mallam Musa Isa.
The Biu-Damaturu-Maiduguri road, a vital route for commuters in the Northeast, remained temporarily closed in the wake of the attack, causing delays for motorists and passengers.
Saturday’s attack underscores the persistent insecurity in the region, even as stakeholders continue to seek collaborative solutions to counter insurgency.
