Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), early Saturday successfully repelled a massive attack by ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in Chibok, Borno State. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) later carried out follow-up airstrikes that killed many of the fleeing fighters.
According to reports obtained by The News Chronicle, more than 300 terrorists launched a coordinated attack on Chibok around 3:00 a.m., attempting to break through military defensive positions and overpower the troops.
A security source said the soldiers immediately responded with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, engaging the terrorists in a fierce two-hour gun battle that forced them to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle.
“The troops were alert and handled the situation professionally. We recorded no casualties, and no equipment was damaged,” the source said.
After the terrorists began to withdraw, the ground troops requested air support. NAF combat aircraft were quickly deployed to strike the escape routes.
“The airstrikes were precise and devastating, hitting the terrorists along their withdrawal paths and eliminating a large number of them,” the source added.
Sources confirmed that NAF carried out four major airstrikes guided by real-time intelligence from troops on the ground. The first strike targeted a large group of fleeing terrorists attempting to regroup, while subsequent strikes pursued other fighters escaping into the forest.
In addition to the manned aircraft missions, an unmanned aerial platform also conducted attacks. It maintained constant surveillance and delivered accurate strikes, further destroying retreating fighters and disrupting their movements.
The sources emphasised that the strong coordination between air and ground forces inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists and prevented them from reorganising after the failed attack.
