Troops crush ISWAP assault in Kukawa, neutralise over 25 terrorists
…Recover six AK-47 rifles, ammunition
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 more than 25 terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during a fierce counter-offensive.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement.
Goni said the terrorists launched the attack in large numbers from four different flanks against troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion but met stiff resistance from the soldiers, who responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination.
He said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicted heavy casualties on them and forced the surviving elements to flee in disarray.
According to him, preliminary assessment indicated that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had so far been recovered.
During the exploitation of the area, the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
Goni said further exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
He, however, disclosed that some soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army extended its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, commending their courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty.
The Army said the decisive defeat of the assault underscored the combat readiness, resilience and fighting effectiveness of its troops in the North-East Theatre.
It added that the operation also demonstrated the growing effectiveness of air-ground synergy and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and denying them freedom of action.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its determination to sustain operational pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements, saying troops would continue to conduct aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensive actions with sister Services and other security agencies.
The operations, it said, are aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting communities and safeguarding the nation.
