Borno: Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa, neutralising about 26 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles. This decisive action was confirmed in a statement by Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the terrorists launched an attack on the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion stationed in Kukawa around 10:50 p.m. on August 28. The troops promptly responded with both direct and indirect fire, effectively repelling the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis. During the encounter, the terrorists sustained heavy casualties, with several others wounded as they fled the area.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was swiftly deployed to intercept the fleeing terrorists on motorcycles. Despite challenging weather conditions, air strikes were carried out, targeting terrorists taking cover under trees and neutralising an estimated 10 of them. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force tracked approximately 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis, enabling a follow-up precision strike that neutralised an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles.
Ground troops subsequently recovered two motorcycles, neutralised another terrorist, and seized assorted ammunition and other items during the exploitation of the area. The coordinated ground and air operations effectively disrupted the attack and prevented the terrorists from regrouping or sustaining their operations in the area.
Capt. Goni reported that four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement. The wounded personnel were promptly evacuated and are in stable condition. Troops have commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, with ongoing battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter.
The successful defence of Kukawa underscores the capability of Operation HADIN KAI to integrate ground forces, air assets, and intelligence for rapid response to terrorist threats. The Joint Task Force remains committed to sustaining offensive and intelligence-led operations to degrade terrorist capabilities and protect communities across the North-East.