Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated multi-directional attack by ISWAP terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, reportedly neutralising more than 25 terrorists and recovering six AK-47 rifles and other weapons and ammunition.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the terrorists attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion from four directions but met stiff resistance.
According to Goni, the troops, supported by the Air Component, responded with superior firepower and coordinated tactical manoeuvres, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray. He said 14 bodies had so far been recovered, while preliminary assessment indicated that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised.
He said troops were conducting further exploitation of the area to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
Goni, however, confirmed that some soldiers were killed in the encounter, describing them as gallant personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. He said the Nigerian Army had extended condolences to their families.
The military spokesman said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops in the North-East Theatre, while highlighting the effectiveness of air-ground coordination and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities.
He added that troops would sustain aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and protect communities.
