The Nigerian Army says its troops have killed more than 25 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who launched a coordinated multi-directional attack on troops in Kukawa, Borno State.
The attack was carried out against troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai.
Goni said the terrorists attacked the troops in large numbers from four different directions but were met with strong resistance.
“The terrorists, who attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks, met stiff resistance as the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and effective battlefield coordination,” the statement said.
He added that troops, supported by the Air Component, overpowered the attackers, inflicted heavy casualties and forced surviving terrorists to flee.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” Goni said.
During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The military said further exploitation of the area was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
Goni, however, disclosed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
“Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” he said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing their service as a demonstration of courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty.
“Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty will remain an enduring testament to their service to the nation,” he added.
