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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, reportedly neutralising more than 25 insurgents.
The terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four directions, but the attack was met with strong resistance from the soldiers.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the troops, supported by the Air Component, responded with superior firepower and coordinated tactical manoeuvres.
Goni said the counter-offensive forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray, with preliminary assessment indicating that more than 25 insurgents were neutralised.
He said troops had so far recovered 14 bodies of the terrorists, alongside six AK-47 rifles and other weapons and ammunition.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” he said.
The military spokesman added that troops were continuing to exploit the area to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent the insurgents from regrouping.
He, however, disclosed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter, describing them as gallant personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation.
The Nigerian Army, he said, had extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers while reaffirming its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Goni said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops deployed in the theatre.
He added that the operation also highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations in disrupting terrorist activities.
According to him, troops would continue aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and protect communities across the region.
