Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a Boko Haram terrorist attack on the headquarters of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State. The attack was backed by two fighter jets, which provided air support to the ground troops. The encounter resulted in the deaths of 25 insurgents, but came at a cost, with some soldiers losing their lives while defending the area.
The attack on Kukawa Local Government Area threw the town into panic, with residents subjected to heavy, sporadic gunshots. The attackers targeted military formations in the area, but their assault was met with stiff resistance from the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion. The troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical maneuvers, and effective battlefield coordination.
According to residents, the arrival of the fighter jets brought immense relief to the terrified populace. One resident recounted that the initial panic caused by the sporadic gunshots from the Boko Haram insurgents suddenly stopped when the jets arrived, and the gunshots could no longer be heard. The military confirmed that the terrorists assaulted the troops from four different flanks.
The Acting Military Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, confirmed the incident in a statement. He stated that the ground forces, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the survivors to flee in disarray. Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far.
The military also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, during the exploitation of the area. Further operations are currently ongoing to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons. The successful counter-offensive underscores the combat readiness and effectiveness of air-ground synergy in the North-East theatre of operations.
While celebrating the tactical victory, the military expressed profound grief over the loss of its personnel. The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and stands with them at this difficult moment. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty will remain an enduring testament to their service to the nation.
The Nigerian Army vowed to maintain operational pressure on insurgents through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and coordinated offensives until terrorist networks are completely dismantled and communities are safeguarded. The military remains committed to restoring peace in the region.
Key points
- 25 Boko Haram terrorists were killed during the attack.
- The military recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
- Some soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
