Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated 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 launched a multi-directional attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks, but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination.
He said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the attackers, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing surviving terrorists to flee the area.
Goni said preliminary assessment indicated that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had so far been recovered.
He added that troops conducting exploitation of the area recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
According to him, further exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
The military spokesman, however, disclosed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice and devotion to duty as a testament to their service to the nation.
The Army said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of its troops in the North-East Theatre, while highlighting the role of coordinated air and ground operations in disrupting terrorist activities.
The military said it would sustain offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated actions with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard lives and property across the region.