By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled a cross-border attack launched by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters along the Kirawa axis in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred around eleven o’clock at night on Thursday during Operation Desert Sanity V and Siege Operations. The attackers were said to have attempted to move in from the Cameroon axis but were detected while advancing toward the troops’ location.
A gun battle followed, during which the troops overpowered the attackers. Twelve of the insurgents were killed, while others fled back across the border into Cameroon. Several of the fleeing fighters also sustained gunshot injuries.
Military sources explained that the operation drew support from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, air support, and coordination with partner forces.
“The sources added that the operation was supported by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets as well as air component strikes and partner coordination,” the report reads.
“Preliminary battle damage assessment indicated that 12 terrorists were neutralised, while an unspecified number sustained injuries during the encounter. One soldier was reported wounded in action.
“No equipment losses were recorded on the side of the troops, while several items were recovered from the terrorists, including AK-47 rifles, RPG components, rounds of ammunition, and a packet of assorted materials.
“Military authorities said troops have maintained their positions and continue to conduct exploitation operations in the general area to prevent regrouping by fleeing elements.
“They added that the security situation in the axis remains calm but unpredictable, urging continued vigilance and sustained operational pressure across all fronts.”
Authorities said troops have remained in control of the area and are carrying out follow-up operations to stop regrouping attempts by fleeing fighters. The security situation in the axis was described as calm but unpredictable.
