Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a major assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising more than 25 fighters and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The terrorists launched a coordinated attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks, but the assault was met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.
The troops responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and effective battlefield coordination, supported by the Air Component.
The military said the counter-offensive inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and forced surviving fighters to flee the area in disarray.
Preliminary assessment put the number of terrorists neutralised at more than 25, with 14 bodies recovered so far.
During an exploitation of the area, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The Nigerian Army said further exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, the Army confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and commended their courage and sacrifice.
The Army said the successful repulsion of the attack underscored the combat readiness and resilience of its troops in the North-East Theatre.
It added that the operation also demonstrated the growing effectiveness of air-ground coordination and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and denying armed groups freedom of action.
The Nigerian Army said troops would sustain aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard the nation.