Troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a large-scale attack by terrorists in Kukawa Town, Borno State in the early hours of November 25, 2024.

According to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s social media pages, the attackers mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles and attempted to overrun the military camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED).

The statement revealed that the insurgents approached from the Gudumbali axis, targeting the base with a coordinated assault.

“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 defence forced the terrorists into a disorganized retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties.

“During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralized, while many others fled with gunshot wounds,” part of the statement read.

The Army said 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. 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 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,” the statement concluded.