An unconfirmed number of terrorists, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, launched an attack on troops of Nigeria’s 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area of the terror-ravaged northeastern state of Borno, killing three soldiers, the army said on Wednesday.
According to the Nigerian Army, the terrorists attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis, but the troops, in a coordinated response, engaged the terrorists in a gun battle in the early hours of Monday, 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,” the army said in a statement.
“During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralised, while many others fled with gunshot wounds,” it said.
“The troops recovered 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; 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition, among other items from the terrorists.
“Additionally, 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 iss secure.”
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen O. O. Oluyede commended the troops for their courage, urged them to sustain their momentum with “ongoing clearance operations and fighting patrols”.