Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Kukawa, Kill Over 25 Terrorists
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing more than 25 insurgents.
The terrorists reportedly attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions in large numbers, but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops responded with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, supported by the Air Component.
He said the counter-offensive inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and forced surviving fighters to flee the area.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” the statement said.
The military said troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during exploitation of the area, including six AK-47 rifles.
It added that further operations were ongoing to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, the statement disclosed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, commending their courage and sacrifice in the service of the nation.
The military said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops in the North-East Theatre, as well as the growing effectiveness of air-ground coordination in counter-terrorism operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups through intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and coordinated offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and protecting communities.
