3 soldiers killed in fire exchange with terrorists in Borno

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 -Troops of Sector 3 operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have neutralised Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Kukawa and Monguno Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi  Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer, HQ MNJTF N'djamena, Chad, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 25, 2024, said three soldiers three soldiers lost their lives during the operation. 

“In a decisive operation, troops of Sector 3 operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have successfully dealt a significant blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Kukawa and Monguno areas of Borno State, Nigeria. The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists and the recovery of valuable assets,” the statement read. 

"The ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists who launched an offensive using suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) were met with superior firepower from the MNJTF Troops. Following intense air cum artillery bombardments and ground assault, 5 terrorists were neutralized, while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

"During the operation, own air assets destroyed 3 VBIEDs while troops captured 40 motorbikes equipped with assorted weapons, 4 anti-aircraft guns, and one rocket-propelled grenade. Unfortunately, 3 soldiers paid the supreme price.

“This bold operation underscores the MNJTF's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people in the Lake Chad region.” 

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters said that the three soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai were killed while repelling an attack launched by Boko Haram terrorists in the Kukawa Local Government area of Borno State. 

A statement from the headquarters said the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage, as he also urged them to sustain the momentum.

According to the statement, several items were recovered from the terrorists who launched an attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion.

“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 statement read. 

"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.

"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,” 

“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.” 

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.