Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated multi-directional assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising more than 25 terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during a counter-offensive.
The terrorists attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks, but met stiff resistance as the soldiers responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and coordinated battlefield action.
A statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops supported by the Air Component overwhelmed the attackers, inflicted heavy casualties and forced surviving terrorists to flee.
Preliminary assessment indicates that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far.
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During exploitation of the area, troops recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
Further exploitation is ongoing to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
The Nigerian Army also confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter, extending condolences to their families and commending their courage and devotion to duty.
The successful defence of the position highlights the role of coordinated air-ground operations in disrupting terrorist attacks and denying armed groups freedom of action in the North-East theatre.
The Nigerian Army said troops would sustain operational pressure through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensive actions with sister Services and other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard the nation.
