No fewer than four Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a brazen attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area, in the early hours of Saturday.
The assault, which occurred around 2 a.m., left several pieces of military equipment destroyed or looted by the gunmen, believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
This violent incursion comes less than 24 hours after the North East Governors Forum concluded its 11th security-focused meeting in Damaturu, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a multidimensional strategy to combat terrorism in the region.
Military sources said the terrorists approached from the western flank, launching a coordinated attack that involved heavy gunfire and explosions. One security officer who survived the ambush described the encounter as fierce and devastating.
“We were taken by surprise with explosions and gunfire. Four of our colleagues died, and many of our operational tools were either destroyed or seized,” the source disclosed.
The attack also coincides with the recent leadership change in Operation Hadin Kai, as Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar assumes command following the abrupt removal of his predecessor, Major General Waidi Shaibu.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the assault via its official Facebook page, stating, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI are currently in a fierce battle against an ISWAP attack at Buni Gari, Yobe State. Details later.”
As of press time, the military has yet to release a full casualty report or operational update.
Buni Yadi, the hometown of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, is about 65 kilometres from Damaturu. The attack has triggered panic in surrounding communities, with several residents reportedly fleeing to safer areas.
In response, the military temporarily shut down the Biu–Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, a major route connecting Yobe to southern Borno, causing travel disruptions and delays for motorists.
“We were turned back because the road was closed due to the fighting,” said Mallam Musa Isa, a traveller affected by the closure.
Security experts warn the latest attack underscores the persistent threat of insurgency in the Northeast and the need for sustained vigilance despite recent gains made by the military.
