Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on a military location in Kirawa, along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Borno State.
The failed attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday during ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS in Sector 1 of the theatre.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces.
However, the insurgents were swiftly detected and engaged by troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who responded with overwhelming firepower and successfully contained the assault.
The statement noted that the terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray towards the Cameroon axis after suffering heavy casualties.
Air Component platforms of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as partner forces, reportedly provided coordinated support throughout the operation.
Troops later confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.
Items recovered from the scene include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition and a PKT machine gun.
The military said the recovery further degraded the operational capability of the terrorists in the area.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI and the CJTF have since maintained heightened vigilance in the area while exploitation operations continue to track fleeing insurgents and recover more weapons and equipment.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and swift response, describing the successful repulsion as the third major operational success recorded within the week.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East until they are completely neutralised.
