Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have stopped a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, killing more than 25 fighters and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The terrorists attacked the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four directions. But the troops responded with heavy firepower, tactical moves and strong battlefield coordination.
The Nigerian Army said the soldiers, backed by the Air Component, defeated the attackers and forced those who survived to escape.
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Army’s X handle on Wednesday.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” Goni said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
During a follow-up operation, troops found a cache of weapons and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The military said efforts were ongoing to recover more weapons, locate the fleeing terrorists and stop them from regrouping.
Some soldiers were also killed during the battle.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen troops and praised their courage, sacrifice and dedication.
It said the operation showed the readiness and resilience of troops in the North-East, while air and ground coordination helped disrupt terrorist activities.
The Army said it would maintain pressure through patrols, intelligence-led operations and joint offensives to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard Nigeria.
