Troops crush multi-pronged assault in Borno, kill over 25 ISWAP terrorists

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army said its troops killed more than 25 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, recovered six AK-47 rifles and other weapons during a counter-offensive against coordinated multi-directional assault by the insurgents in Kukawa, Borno State.

Captaim Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI revealed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State on Wednesday morning.

Goni said the ISWAP terrorists had launched attack on troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks.

But they met a stiff resistance as the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and effective battlefield coordination.

The troops, with the support of the Air Component, Goni said, overwhelmed the terrorists and inflicted heavy casualties on them, thereby forcing the surviving elements to flee in disarray.

He added that preliminary assessment revealed that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised by the troops during the encounter with 14 bodies recovered so far.

The troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, while exploitation is ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.

However, Goni said some soldiers, regrettably paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.

“The Nigerian Army extends 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. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.

Goni said the decisive defeat of the assault underscored the combat readiness, resilience and fighting effectiveness of Nigerian Army troops in the North East Theatre. It also demonstrated the growing effectiveness of air-ground synergy and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and denying them freedom of action.

“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to sustain operational pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements. Troops will continue to conduct aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensive actions with sister Services and other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard the nation,”