’26 terrorists killed, four soldiers injured’ as troops foil attack on Borno community

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 26 terrorists while thwarting an attack in Borno state on Friday.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the troops repelled the terrorist attack around Kadiya village in Kukawa LGA of Borno.

According to the publication, the terrorists came in contact with troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion at about 10:45pm.

Citing military sources, Makama said the terrorists were forced to withdraw following the coordinated ground and air response.

Makama said that although the terrorists attempted to escape from the area, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted two precision air strikes against them.

The first strike was said to have targeted about 10 terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees, while a second air strike was subsequently conducted against insurgents fleeing towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

Makama said that both strikes killed 25 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles used by the fleeing fighters.

During a clearance operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route on Saturday morning, the troops reportedly discovered the corpse of an additional terrorist, bringing the total number of fatalities to 26.

The troops were said to have recovered items such as 253 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two anti-aircraft rounds.

The publication added that the troops also recovered a shuttle bag, an eye protector, a pair of spectacles and two wristwatches.

Makama said that four soldiers sustained injuries from the incident, while one mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle was damaged.

The publication said the injured soldiers were immediately evacuated for medical attention and are in stable condition.