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 fighters and recovering weapons and ammunition, according to the Nigerian Army.
The terrorists reportedly attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four directions, but the soldiers responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated battlefield operations.
In a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X account on Wednesday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the attackers and forced the surviving terrorists to flee.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” Goni said.
Following the encounter, troops conducted an exploitation operation in the area and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, according to the Army.
The military said troops were continuing operations to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, the Army confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen troops and commended the soldiers for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to duty.
According to the Army, the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops operating in the North-East Theatre.
It also said the operation underscored the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations in disrupting terrorist activities and restricting the movement of insurgents.
The Army said it would sustain operational pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies.
It added that the operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting communities and safeguarding the country.
