Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Kukawa, Kill 26 Fighters, Destroy 10 Motorcycles

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa in Borno State, killing several fighters and disrupting their attempt to regroup after they were repelled by ground troops.

The operation, which involved coordinated ground action, aerial strikes and intelligence surveillance, reportedly resulted in the neutralisation of an estimated 26 terrorists and the destruction of 10 motorcycles used by the fleeing fighters.

The terrorists launched the attack at about 10:50 p.m. on Friday against troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops responded with direct and indirect fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.

Several terrorists were reportedly killed during the encounter, while others sustained gunshot wounds as they fled. Subsequent ground exploitation led to the recovery of terrorist corpses, confirming casualties inflicted during the engagement.

As the terrorists attempted to escape on motorcycles towards Cross Kauwa, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was deployed to intercept them.

Despite difficult weather conditions, the air component successfully engaged terrorists who had taken cover under trees, reportedly neutralising an estimated 10 fighters.

The Multi-National Joint Task Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets subsequently tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

Based on the intelligence provided, the Air Component conducted a follow-up precision strike on the fleeing group.

The strike reportedly neutralised an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles, further weakening the group’s mobility and fighting capability.

During subsequent ground exploitation, troops recovered two motorcycles, neutralised another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.

The military said the coordinated operation successfully disrupted the attack, intercepted the terrorists’ withdrawal and prevented them from regrouping to launch further sustained operations in the area.

Following the engagement, troops were replenished by air with essential combat supplies to sustain their operations and maintain pressure on the terrorists.

Four military personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the encounter, although none was life-threatening. The wounded personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were said to be in stable condition.

Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the operational area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter continue.

The military said the successful defence of Kukawa demonstrates the growing integration of ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities in counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.

Operation HADIN KAI said it would sustain offensive operations and intelligence-led surveillance aimed at degrading terrorist networks, denying them freedom of movement and protecting communities across the region.