Borno attack repelled as troops, jets crush terrorists

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a terrorist assault on Kukawa in Borno State, killing several fighters and destroying a number of motorcycles used by the attackers to escape.

The operation involved a coordinated response by ground forces, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Goni said the attack occurred at about 10:50pm on Friday when terrorists targeted troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion stationed in Kukawa.

He said the troops quickly engaged the attackers with direct and indirect fire, forcing them to retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis.

“During the fierce engagement, several terrorists were neutralised, while others were observed to have sustained gunshot wounds as they fled the area.

“Subsequent exploitation by troops led to the recovery of terrorist corpses, further confirming casualties inflicted on the terrorists during the encounter,” he said.

According to him, the fleeing terrorists attempted to escape on motorcycles, prompting the immediate deployment of the Air Component to intercept them.

“As the terrorists withdrew towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was promptly coordinated to interdict their movement.

“Despite challenging weather conditions, the Air Component successfully engaged terrorists taking cover under trees, neutralising an estimated 10 terrorists.”

Goni said intelligence gathered by MNJTF ISR assets subsequently enabled troops to track about 20 motorcycles carrying the fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

The intelligence led to another air operation, during which more terrorists and motorcycles were hit.

“The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, neutralising an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles, thereby further degrading the terrorists’ mobility and fighting capability,” he said.

He added that ground troops conducting follow-up operations recovered two motorcycles and killed another terrorist, while also recovering assorted ammunition and other items.

“During subsequent exploitation operations, ground troops recovered 2 motorcycles, neutralised an additional terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.

“Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter are ongoing.”

Goni described the operation as another demonstration of the military’s ability to combine ground operations, air power and intelligence to counter terrorist threats.

“The successful defence of Kukawa once again demonstrates Operation HADIN KAI’s capacity to detect, contain and decisively respond to terrorist threats through effective integration of ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities.

“It also underscores the resilience, courage and professionalism of troops operating across the Theatre.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, intelligence-led surveillance and coordinated ground and air actions to systematically degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them freedom of action and protect communities across the North East,” Goni explained.