Troops under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Kukareta community, Borno State, killing at least 25 insurgents and capturing one alive.
The operation also led to the death of a senior militant commander identified as Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, who was among those neutralised during the clash.
Providing details of the incident in Maiduguri, the Theatre Commander of North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said the attack began shortly after midnight, with insurgents attempting to overrun the community.
According to him, troops from Sector 2 mounted a strong resistance, engaging the attackers in a prolonged firefight that lasted until about 3:00 a.m. The counter-offensive eventually forced the insurgents into a disorderly retreat.
Abubakar confirmed that, in addition to Munzir, 24 other fighters were killed during the engagement, bringing the total number of insurgents neutralised to 25.
Following the confrontation, troops conducted a sweep of the area, recovering a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition left behind by the fleeing militants.
”Troops subsequently conducted exploitation of the battlefield, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns and three RPG tubes.
”Others include two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.
The commander also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange but have since been stabilised. Additionally, an armoured reinforcement vehicle suffered tyre damage in the course of the operation.
He noted that follow-up efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents and recover additional bodies and equipment along escape routes, which were reportedly marked by blood stains and abandoned medical supplies.
Describing the outcome as a significant operational success, Abubakar said the military would continue to intensify pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East to limit their capacity to launch further attacks.
