Three troops from Operation Hadin Kai were declared dead by Defense Headquarters after a Boko Haram attack in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, on Monday.
Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff, praised the troops’ valor in fending off the onslaught in a statement issued on Tuesday.
In spite of the loss of their allies, he also exhorted them to keep up the momentum in the war against terrorism.
Although specifics were not provided, the statement also said that a number of goods were taken from the terrorists during the conflict.
The 101 Special Forces Battalion’s soldiers played a crucial role in successfully repelling the attack and averting additional losses and destruction.
The statement read, “In the early hours of 25th November 2024, an unconfirmed number of terrorists, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, launched an attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The attackers attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.
“The gallant troops, in a coordinated and determined response, engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, bolstered by support from the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command.”
The statement added that 12 of the terrorists were killed while others fled with gunshot injuries.
“During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralised, while many others fled with gunshot wounds. The following items were recovered from the terrorists; 5 AK-47 rifles, 1 RPG bomb, 1 RPG tube, 2 Anti-Aircraft (AA) guns, 1 QJC gun, 1 NSV heavy machine gun, 40 motorcycles, 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition, among other items.
“Additionally, four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the terrorists were destroyed,” it added.
It, however, stated that three soldiers lost their lives during the gun battle.
“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 is secure”, it said.
The statement reassured all that Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate the remnants of terrorism in the Northeast and foster an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive in line with its mandate.
