By Saminu Ibrahim
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, killing more than 25 insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.
The terrorists reportedly launched a multi-directional assault on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks, but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the troops responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination.
According to the statement, the operation was supported by the Air Component, which enabled the troops to overwhelm the terrorists and inflict heavy casualties on them.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” the Army said.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The Army said further exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
It, however, disclosed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice and devotion to duty as an enduring testament to their service to the nation.
The military said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops in the North-East Theatre, as well as the growing effectiveness of air-ground synergy and joint operations.
It vowed to sustain pressure on terrorists through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensive actions with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard the nation.
