At least, four Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, as the assailants launched an assault from the western axis of the military base around 2 a.m., catching troops off guard.
A security source who survived the ambush told Vanguard that the terrorists opened fire with heavy weapons, sparking a fierce gun battle that lasted for several hours.
“We were taken by surprise due to the intensity of the explosions and gunfire. Unfortunately, we lost four of our men, and several pieces of our operational equipment were either destroyed or looted,”; the source said, noting that the terrorists also suffered casualties in the confrontation.
The incident unfolded just hours after the North East Governors Forum concluded its 11th routine meeting in Damaturu, where leaders agreed to intensify a multi-pronged approach to tackle insurgency in the region.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the attack in a statement posted on 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 the time of this report, the military had not released further updates on casualties or damage.
Buni Yadi, located approximately 65 kilometers from the Yobe State capital, Damaturu, is also the hometown of Governor Mai Mala Buni. The attack triggered panic among residents, many of whom fled to safer areas. The military also temporarily shut down the busy Biu–Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, causing travel delays for motorists and commuters.
“The road closure disrupted movement between Yobe and parts of southern Borno,”; said Mallam Musa Isa, a passenger affected by the lockdown.
The situation remains tense as security forces continue operations in the area.
