Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised scores of terrorists when it thwarted coordinated attempts to overrun troops’ locations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok.
Its Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Sani Uba in a statement issued Friday said the desperate attacks were launched between approximately 2230hrs on Thursday and 0300 hours Friday morning.
He revealed that the terrorists were met with overwhelming resistance from alert and determined troops who firmly held their defensive positions despite the intensity of the assaults.
Uba added: “In a well-coordinated response, troops executed simultaneous flanking manoeuvres alongside reinforcement teams drawn from Sectors 1 and 2, decisively routing the attacking terrorists and forcing them into disorganised withdrawals.
“In some isolated instances where sections of the defensive perimeter were temporarily breached, troops swiftly counter-attacked and fully regained control of their positions.
“During the fierce engagements, several terrorist leaders, including key Amirs (Leaders), were neutralised while a number of insurgent fighters were eliminated during the counter-offensive. “Although some structures within the locations sustained damage during the intense firefights, all bases remain firmly under the control of OPHK troops.”
Uba explained that in close coordination with the Air Component, multiple precision air strikes were conducted overnight against fleeing terrorist elements and identified hostile positions, further neutralising scores of insurgents and degrading their fighting capability.
He added that ground troops are currently conducting exploitation operations across the affected areas, with recovery of terrorist corpses, weapons and other combat equipment ongoing. Uba noted that regrettably, a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant Officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers.
He said their sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defending the nation and protecting innocent
citizens.