Troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Borno State have neutralised 12 terrorists on Monday during an attack on the troops.
However, during the firefight that ensued, three soldiers were killed by the terrorists.
A statement issued on Tuesday revealed that the attackers attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.
It said: “In the early hours of 25th November 2024, an unconfirmed number of terrorists, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, launched an attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The gallant troops, in a coordinated and determined response, engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, bolstered by support from the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command.
“This resolute defense forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties.
“During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralised, while many others fled with gunshot wounds.”
It added that items recovered from the terrorists were: five AK-47 rifles; one RPG bomb; one RPG tube; two Anti-Aircraft (AA) guns; one QJC gun; one NSV heavy machine gun; 40 motorcycles and 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition, among others.
It noted that four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the terrorists were destroyed.
“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the ultimate price during the attack. Efforts to clear and exploit the area are ongoing, with house-to-house searches being conducted to ensure the area is secure,” it added.
