By SUMAILIA OGBAJE

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Goni said the terrorists launched the attack on Sept. 7, but troops held their positions and denied the attackers the opportunity to overrun the military location.

He said the terrorists eventually withdrew with casualties following sustained resistance from the troops.

According to him, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support during the engagement.

He said the air component subsequently conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements as they attempted to withdraw, disrupting their movement and frustrating efforts to regroup.

Goni said the Civilian Joint Task Force also provided useful local information and supported troops’ situational awareness during the operation.

He said one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to the left arm during the encounter and was promptly evacuated for medical attention.

“The soldier was stabilised and is responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable,” he said.

Goni said troops had commenced exploitation operations following the terrorists’ withdrawal to assess damage inflicted on them, recover abandoned weapons and equipment and gather intelligence.

He said troops remained on heightened alert in Pulka, conducting aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations.

Goni urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious persons, movements or activities to security formations.

He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat terrorism and protect lives and property across the North-East. (NAN)