At least 25 terrorists were killed and 10 motorcycles destroyed during coordinated ground and air operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Borno State, the military has said.
The operation followed an attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa on Friday.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops repelled the attack, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Goni said the troops responded with direct and indirect fire, inflicting casualties on the attackers and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.
He said subsequent ground operations led to the recovery of some bodies, confirming casualties among the terrorists.
As the attackers retreated on motorcycles towards Cross Kauwa, the OPHK Air Component was deployed to intercept them.
Goni said the air operation, conducted despite difficult weather conditions, targeted terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees, killing an estimated 10.
He added that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force subsequently tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
The intelligence enabled the Air Component to carry out a follow-up precision strike, killing another 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles, according to the military.
During subsequent exploitation of the area, ground troops recovered two motorcycles, killed another terrorist and recovered ammunition and other items.
Goni said the combined operation disrupted the attack, intercepted the terrorists’ withdrawal and reduced their ability to regroup or mount further attacks in the area.
He said troops were subsequently resupplied by air with essential combat equipment to maintain operational pressure.
Four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement, although none was life-threatening, Goni said. The injured personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.
Troops have since commenced reorganisation and further exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and other evaluations of the operation continue.
Goni said the operation demonstrated the ability of OPHK to integrate ground forces, air power and intelligence capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.
He also commended the troops for what he described as their resilience, courage and professionalism in the theatre of operations.
