Troops kill 25 terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, backed by two fighter jets, have successfully repelled a Boko Haram terrorist attack on the headquarters of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State, killing 25 insurgents.

However, the fierce encounter came at a cost, with the military confirming that some soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while defending the area.

According to residents, the assault threw the town into panic as heavy, sporadic gunshots rattled the air.

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The attackers reportedly targeted military formations in the area.

“Initially, we were panicked by the sporadic gunshots from the Boko Haram insurgents suddenly, but when two NAF jets came, we could no longer hear the gunshots,” one resident recounted, noting that the arrival of the fighter jets brought immense relief to the terrified populace.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, stated that the terrorists assaulted the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks.

He said the attackers ambush met the stiff resistance by the gallant troops who responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical maneuvers, and effective battlefield coordination.

Goni said, supported by the Air Component, the ground forces 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,” Goni said,

He added that troops 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.

While celebrating the tactical victory, the military expressed profound grief over the loss of its personnel.

It said, “Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” the statement read. “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. May their souls rest in peace.”

The military stated that the successful counter-offensive underscores the combat readiness and effectiveness of air-ground synergy in the North-East theatre of operations.

Reiterating its commitment to restoring peace, 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.