By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists in Limankara and Kukawa areas of Borno State, neutralising at least 25 fighters during joint air and ground operations.
The operation was detailed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), on Sunday.
Uba said the terrorists launched assaults on February 20 but were met with superior firepower as troops mounted sustained offensives across multiple fronts.
According to him, in Lamusheri Village, Gujba LGA, troops under Operation DESERT SANITY V neutralised 15 terrorists during a precision operation backed by intelligence and aerial surveillance. Several structures were destroyed, while five tricycles and two vehicles were burnt.
”At about 0056 hours, terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base in Limankara but were repelled without casualty to troops.
”In Kukawa, insurgents attacked from the Alagarno and Jemmu axes using gun trucks and motorcycles. One gun truck was destroyed in an air strike, killing four fighters, while another precision strike eliminated 10 terrorists fleeing on motorcycles.”
He added,”hirteen AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines and communication radios were recovered during follow-up operations.
”However, one soldier was killed in action, while some military equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were airlifted and are in stable condition.”
The Army said the coordinated air and land operations have compounded enemy losses and reinforced operational dominance in the North-East theatre.