By Asuquo Cletus
Bandits have killed three soldiers in the Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
It was learnt that the bandits laid an ambush for the troops in Gudumbali axis killing three soldiers in the attack on Monday.
The director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement made available to journalist on Tuesday titled “Terrorist attack troops of operations hadin kai in Kukawa LGA Borno State”.
Onyema said the bandits who mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, launched an attack on the troops, after attempting to breach their camp.
According to him, soldiers engaged in a gun duel with the terrorists during the attack.
“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.
“Additionally, four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the terrorists were destroyed.
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.
“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. This resolute defense forced the terrorists into a disorganized retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties.”- Onyema said.
He further disclosed that during the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralized, while many others fled with gunshot wounds, leading to the recovery of “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”.
The Army spokesman added that the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and urged them to sustain their momentum with ongoing clearance operations and fighting patrols.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate the remnants of terrorism in the Northeast, fostering an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive in line with its mandate.”- He concluded.
