Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing more than 25 insurgents and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The terrorists reportedly attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions, but the soldiers responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated battlefield operations.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops, supported by the Air Component, successfully overwhelmed the attackers.
Goni said preliminary assessments indicated that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had so far been recovered from the battlefield.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” he said.
Following the encounter, the troops conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The military said further operations were ongoing to recover more weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, commending their courage, sacrifice and commitment to duty.
The Army described the successful repulsion of the attack as a demonstration of the combat readiness and resilience of troops operating in the North-East Theatre.
It also highlighted the role of effective air-ground coordination and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and restricting their freedom of movement.
The military said troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting vulnerable communities and safeguarding the country.
