Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed more than 25 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in a fierce battle in Kukawa, Borno State, while also foiling a planned festive season massacre in southern Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the operations in a briefing on October 9 signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja. The operations were conducted across multiple theatres between October 2 and 8.
The most significant engagement occurred in Kukawa, where troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, killed 25 ISWAP fighters during an assault that lasted several hours into the morning of October 7.
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists in large numbers launched a coordinated multi-directional assault from four flanks on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion.
“The terrorists, who attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks, met stiff resistance as the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and effective battlefield coordination,” Goni said.
He said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicted heavy casualties and forced the surviving elements to flee in disarray.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” Goni said.
Troops recovered six AK-47 rifles and other ammunition during exploitation of the area, while operations are ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent regrouping.
The military confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter and commiserated with their families.
“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and stands with them at this difficult moment. Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty will remain an enduring testament to their service to the nation,” Goni said.
In a related operation, the military reported the killing of Abdussamad Ohida, identified as a senior ISWAP commander, during a joint security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State on October 2.
According to the Defence Headquarters, intelligence gathered after his death indicated that Ohida had been planning large-scale attacks against civilians in some southern states during the forthcoming festive season.
The military said the killing has foiled the plot and disrupted ISWAP attempts to expand operations to the south.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations also led to the killing of 10 Lakurawa terrorists in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State under Operation Fansan Yamma. The Lakurawa fighters allegedly launched an attack with more than 100 motorcycles armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of 21 people abducted in Imo State, the freeing of 18 kidnap victims in Katsina and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, explosives, motorcycles and communication equipment as troops intensified offensives against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
