A coordinated attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters to overrun a Nigerian military position in Kukawa, Borno State, has ended with more than 25 terrorists reportedly neutralised by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
The attackers targeted the 101 Special Forces Battalion and launched their assault from four directions, putting the military position under intense pressure. Troops, however, mounted a strong response and prevented the terrorists from taking control of the base.
The Nigerian Army said the operation involved the combined efforts of ground troops and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI. The military said superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective coordination forced the attackers to withdraw from the area.
Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, disclosed that a preliminary assessment showed that more than 25 terrorists had been killed in the encounter.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” Goni said.
The battle also left behind weapons and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing fighters. According to the Army, troops recovered six AK-47 rifles alongside other military equipment during subsequent exploitation operations.
Military personnel continued searching the area after the attack, with the focus on recovering additional weapons, locating fleeing terrorists and preventing the insurgents from regrouping for another assault.
The Army also confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation. The military expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and praised the troops for their courage and dedication in defending the position.
The Kukawa attack comes amid continued military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno and other parts of Nigeria’s North-East. Military bases in the region have remained strategic targets for insurgents seeking to weaken government forces and disrupt ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Despite the intensity of the assault, the military retained control of the Kukawa position after the terrorists were forced to withdraw.
The Army said the successful repulsion of the attack reflects the resilience and combat readiness of troops serving in the North-East Theatre.
Troops are now sustaining operations around the area as authorities work to assess the full extent of the casualties and recover further weapons or equipment left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
