Terrorists fleeing after an attack on troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Kukawa, Borno State, have come under sustained ground and aerial operations, with about 26 of them reportedly neutralized and 10 motorcycles destroyed.
The terrorists attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa at about 10:50 p.m. on August 28, prompting a coordinated ground and air response that forced the attackers to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North-East.
Goni said the troops responded with direct and indirect fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, while several others were wounded as they fled the area.
He said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was subsequently deployed to intercept the fleeing terrorists on motorcycles.
According to him, despite challenging weather conditions, the air component struck terrorists taking cover under trees, neutralizing an estimated 10 of them.
Goni added that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force later tracked about 20 motorcycles conveying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
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He said the intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, neutralizing an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.
Ground troops subsequently recovered two motorcycles, neutralized another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items during the exploitation of the area, he said.
Goni said the coordinated ground and air operations disrupted the attack and prevented the terrorists from regrouping or sustaining operations in the area.
He added that troops were replenished by air with essential combat supplies to sustain the pressure on the terrorists.
He said troops had commenced reorganization and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter continued.
Goni said the successful defence of Kukawa demonstrated the capability of Operation Hadin Kai to integrate ground forces, air assets and intelligence for a rapid response to terrorist threats.
He added that the Joint Task Force remained committed to sustaining offensive and intelligence-led operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities across the North-East.
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