Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on four communities in Borno State, eliminating several insurgents and their commanders in multiple attempts.

The statement, signed by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, spokesman of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, said the terrorists attempted to overrun the troops’ locations in a series of coordinated assaults.

The attacks, which targeted military positions in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, occurred between about 10:30 PM and 3:00 AM on Friday.

However, alert troops reportedly resisted the attacks and held their ground despite intense gun battles that lasted several hours.

‘In a well-coordinated response, troops executed simultaneous flanking manoeuvres alongside reinforcement teams drawn from Sectors 1 and 2, decisively routing the attacking terrorists and forcing them into disorganised withdrawals,” the statement said.

According to the military, in isolated instances in which sections of the defensive perimeter were temporarily breached, troops swiftly launched counterattacks and regained full control of their positions.

Several insurgent fighters, including some of their key leaders known as ‘Amirs,’ were killed during the clashes, while others fled with injuries. The Nigerian Air Force component of the operation also carried out precision airstrikes overnight on fleeing terrorists and suspected hideouts, destroying hostile positions and further weakening the insurgents’ fighting capability.

Troops have since begun exploitation operations in the affected areas, recovering the bodies of terrorists as well as weapons and other combat equipment.

Despite the successful defence of the military bases, the operation recorded casualties.

The military confirmed that several soldiers were killed in the battle, including a senior officer who reportedly led his troops from the front during the engagement.

“Regrettably, several brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant officer who fought courageously while leading his troops against the attackers,’ the statement added.

Some structures within the military locations were also damaged during the intense firefights, although the military said all bases remained firmly under its control.

The military described the failed assaults as a sign of growing desperation among insurgent groups facing sustained operational pressure across the North-East theatre.

Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to maintaining control of the battlespace and protecting civilians in the region. (Business Day)

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