Troops from the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by terrorists in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The assailants, armed with gun trucks, motorcycles, and a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device, launched the assault from the Gudumbali axis.
The Nigerian Army revealed details of the encounter in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Tuesday.
“The attackers attempted to breach the camp using a VBIED, but the gallant troops responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower,” the statement said.
The Army added that the troops were supported by the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, which played a critical role in forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
During the engagement, 12 terrorists were neutralized, while several others fled with injuries.
Troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including five AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade bomb and tube, two anti-aircraft guns, one QJC gun, one NSV heavy machine gun, 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition, and 40 motorcycles.
Additionally, four of the seven VBIEDs deployed by the attackers were destroyed.
Despite the victory, the Army reported that three soldiers lost their lives in the attack. Security operations are ongoing in the area, with house-to-house searches being conducted to ensure complete clearance.
Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, praised the troops for their bravery and resilience. “I commend the courage and professionalism of our troops. We must maintain this momentum with continuous clearance operations and fighting patrols,” he said.
