Three Nigerian soldiers have died during a fierce battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Kukawa, Borno State. The attack occurred early Monday, November 25, when heavily armed terrorists attempted to breach a military camp of the 101 Special Forces Battalion, part of Operation Hadin Kai.
According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, the terrorists launched their assault using gun trucks, motorcycles, and a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.
The soldiers mounted a strong defense, supported by aerial reinforcements and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command. The decisive counterattack resulted in the deaths of 12 insurgents, with many others escaping with injuries.
Recovered items included five AK-47 rifles, two anti-aircraft guns, a heavy machine gun, and 40 motorcycles, among others. The troops also successfully neutralized four of the seven VBIEDs deployed by the attackers.
The statement read, “In the early hours of 25th November 2024, an unconfirmed number of terrorists, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, launched an attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The attackers attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.
“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.’”
The statement added that 12 of the terrorists were killed while others fled with gunshot injuries.
“During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralised, while many others fled with gunshot wounds. 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,” it added.
It however stated that three soldiers lost their lives during the gun battle.
“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”, it said.
The statement reassured all that Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate the remnants of terrorism in the Northeast and foster an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive in line with its mandate.
