By Odita Sunday
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, killing an estimated 26 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles after a coordinated ground and air operation forced the attackers to abandon their assault and flee the area.
The attack occurred at about 2250 hours on August 28, 2026, when terrorists launched an assault on troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Kukawa.
The troops responded with direct and indirect fire, repelling the attack and forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis, according to a statement issued on Saturday by MOHAMMED GONI, Captain and Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
Several terrorists were neutralised during the fierce engagement, while others were observed sustaining gunshot wounds as they fled. Subsequent exploitation by ground troops also led to the recovery of terrorist corpses.
As the attackers retreated on motorcycles towards Cross Kauwa, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was deployed to intercept them.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the air component struck terrorists who had taken cover under trees, neutralising an estimated 10 fighters.
The operation was further supported by Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, which tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted a follow-up precision strike, neutralising an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.
Ground troops subsequently recovered two motorcycles, neutralised another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items during exploitation operations.
The coordinated action, the statement said, disrupted the attack, intercepted the terrorists’ withdrawal and further weakened their capacity to regroup or launch sustained operations in the area.
The troops were subsequently replenished by air with essential combat enablers to maintain operational effectiveness and sustain pressure on the terrorists.
Four personnel sustained injuries during the encounter, although none was life-threatening. The wounded personnel were evacuated by air for further medical attention and were confirmed to be in stable condition.
Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter continue.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said the successful defence of Kukawa demonstrated its ability to detect, contain and decisively respond to terrorist threats through the integration of ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities.
It added that the operation further underscored the resilience, courage and professionalism of troops operating across the Theatre.
The Joint Task Force said Operation HADIN KAI remained resolute in sustaining offensive operations, intelligence-led surveillance and coordinated ground and air actions aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, denying them freedom of action and protecting communities across the North East.
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