Reports indicate that numerous operational assets belonging to the troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ were not only destroyed but also looted by the armed assailants.
This attack occurred less than 24 hours after the North East Governors Forum convened its 11th meeting in Damaturu, the state capital, where a multidimensional strategy to combat insurgency in the region was adopted.
The incident unfolded yesterday, coinciding with the transition of leadership to the new Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who succeeded Major General Waidi Shaibu following his recent removal from office.
A security source who managed to escape the onslaught recounted the events, stating, “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.”
The Nigerian Army Headquarters confirmed the attack through its verified Facebook page early yesterday, 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 the time of this report, the military had not provided additional information regarding the casualties.
Buni Yadi is the hometown of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni and is situated approximately 65km from Damaturu. A local source who sought refuge at the council’s headquarters in Buni Yadi reported that many residents have evacuated their homes in search of safety. In response to the attack, the Biu-Damaturu-Maiduguri road has been temporarily closed, causing delays for motorists and passengers.
“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 passenger, Mallam Musa Isa.
