The recent Ngoshe attack in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State has been decisively countered by the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which killed 50 terrorists linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The strike came after insurgents launched a coordinated assault on Nigerian Army artillery positions in the border community, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing North-East Nigeria.
According to credible security sources in Maiduguri, the Ngoshe attack occurred on March 3, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., when insurgents attempted a surprise evening assault.
“The terrorists tried to overrun our artillery positions in a coordinated offensive,” an officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
The border community, located about 12 kilometers south of Pulka, has been repeatedly targeted by insurgents from 2013 to 2024, forcing many residents to seek refuge in Cameroon for more than a decade.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed that ground troops responded swiftly to the Ngoshe attack.
He described the military action as “a tactical withdrawal under intense fire to safeguard personnel and equipment,” while reinforcements were mobilized to defend Ngoshe and three neighboring border communities within Gwoza Local Council.
The quick reaction of Nigerian forces prevented the insurgents from capturing strategic positions and safeguarded local residents.
The Nigerian Air Force played a critical role in the aftermath of the Ngoshe attack.
Once real-time intelligence from ground forces was received, air assets were deployed to intercept fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes.
“Precision airstrikes were carried out on insurgent clusters and movement trails, killing over 50 terrorists in two separate operations,” a source said.
The ground-air coordination under OPHK ensured that even insurgents attempting to escape into forested enclaves were decisively engaged for about an hour.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the Ngoshe attack, calling it a “cruel and senseless assault on innocent citizens.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including both civilians and military personnel.
He extended condolences to families affected by the Boko Haram and ISWAP assault and acknowledged that some casualties occurred due to Nigerian Air Force operations targeting fleeing insurgents, described by authorities as friendly fire.
The President urged residents of Borno State and Nigerians generally not to succumb to fear in the face of terrorist threats.
He commended the Armed Forces and security agencies for their rapid response, which eliminated numerous terrorists and forced others to retreat.
Tinubu further directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue individuals abducted during the attack while reinforcing protective measures in vulnerable communities, particularly in North-East Nigeria.
In addition, the President called on the armed forces to strengthen civilian protection across the country and prevent attacks on military formations.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in both the initial Ngoshe attack and the subsequent aerial operations, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to combat terrorism.
The Ngoshe attack once again underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, but it also highlights the effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai.
Dozens of fleeing terrorists were neutralized following multiple precision airstrikes on their escape routes, signaling a coordinated and robust counter-insurgency strategy.
Security experts say that operations like the one following the Ngoshe attack not only weaken insurgent capacity but also restore confidence among communities that have endured years of attacks.
The combined efforts of ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force demonstrate a high level of coordination in counter-terrorism, ensuring that insurgents face decisive consequences for any attempted incursions.
Residents of Ngoshe and surrounding communities are gradually returning to normalcy after the attack.
Local leaders have lauded the swift response of Nigerian security forces, emphasizing that such operations are vital in restoring peace and stability in Borno State.
While challenges remain, the outcome of the Ngoshe attack serves as a strong message that insurgents will not find safe havens along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
The government continues to encourage intelligence-sharing between civilians and security agencies to prevent future attacks.
As the situation in Borno State evolves, sustained vigilance, community engagement, and tactical coordination remain central to ensuring that terrorist activities like the Ngoshe attack are thwarted effectively.
Ireport247news
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