The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation HADIN KAI have crushed a coordinated multi-directional assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising over 25 terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during a fierce counter-offensive.
It said that the terrorists, who attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks, met stiff resistance as the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and effective battlefield coordination.
It, however, said that some gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
The army, in a statement, explained that the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicted heavy casualties and forced the surviving elements to flee in disarray.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far.
“During exploitation of the area, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles,” the statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, read in part.
It noted that further exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and stands with them at this difficult moment.
“Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty will remain an enduring testament to their service to the nation. May their souls rest in peace,” it added.
The Nigerian Army stated that the decisive defeat of the assault underscored the combat readiness, resilience and fighting effectiveness of Nigerian Army troops in the North East Theatre.
It said that it also demonstrated the growing effectiveness of air-ground synergy and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and denying them freedom of action.
The Army reiterated its unwavering in its determination to sustain operational pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements.
It assured that the troops would continue to conduct 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.
