Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province along the Geidam–Maine Soro road in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday while troops of the 159 Task Force Battalion were conducting a night standby patrol along the strategic route, according to security sources.

The sources said the suspected terrorists launched an assault on the patrol team at about 2:04 a.m., triggering a fierce gun battle between the attackers and the soldiers.

Despite the surprise attack, the troops reportedly held their position and engaged the insurgents until reinforcement forces arrived at the scene.

The arrival of additional troops forced the attackers to retreat, effectively ending the assault and preventing further damage.

One soldier was injured during the exchange of fire and was immediately evacuated for medical attention, the sources disclosed.

The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at the battalion’s Regimental Aid Post and is expected to undergo further medical management.

Security sources, however, revealed that the attackers made away with a PKT machine gun and a Baofeng handheld communication radio during the encounter.

Following the incident, security forces intensified operations in the area to track down the fleeing insurgents and recover the missing military equipment.

The latest attack underscores the continued security challenges in parts of the North-East, where troops have sustained offensive and defensive operations against insurgent groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin region.

Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security operatives are said to be maintaining heightened surveillance along the Geidam–Maine Soro axis to prevent further attacks.