Operation Hadin Kai troops have repelled a coordinated multi-directional assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, killing more than 25 terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition.
The terrorists launched the attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks in a coordinated attempt to overwhelm the soldiers.
However, the troops mounted a fierce counter-offensive, deploying superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination to thwart the assault.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), said the troops were supported by the Air Component during the operation.
According to the statement, the combined air-ground response inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and forced surviving fighters to flee the battlefield in disarray.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” the Army said.
During an 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 the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, the operation came at a cost, as some soldiers were killed during the fierce encounter.
The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a testament to their courage and commitment to defending the country.
The Army said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of its troops in the North East, while highlighting the growing effectiveness of coordinated air-ground operations against terrorist groups.
It added that troops would sustain aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies to disrupt terrorist networks, protect communities and deny insurgents freedom of action.
