By Stella Odueme
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI 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 arms and ammunition.
The terrorists reportedly attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers, who responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, on Wednesday, with support from the Air Component, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the surviving fighters to flee.
A preliminary assessment showed that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had so far been recovered.
The troops also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during the exploitation of the area, including six AK-47 rifles.
The Nigerian Army said further exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice, courage and commitment to duty as an enduring testament to their service to the nation.
According to the Army, the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrates the combat readiness and resilience of troops in the North-East Theatre, as well as the growing effectiveness of air-ground coordination and joint operations against terrorist groups.
It added that troops would sustain 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 country.