Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Borno State, forcing the insurgents to retreat after a combined air and ground offensive.
The military said the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday when ISWAP fighters targeted troop positions at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Army said intelligence-backed surveillance enabled troops to quickly detect the movement of the attackers and respond effectively.
“The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well-coordinated air and ground counter-attack,” the statement said.
According to the military, air support from the Nigerian Air Force played a crucial role in disrupting the assault through intelligence, surveillance and precision strike operations.
“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strike platforms from the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive,” it stated.
The Army said the coordinated operation inflicted substantial losses on the insurgents and forced them to flee the area.
“The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” the statement added.
Military authorities disclosed that no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation, while the terrorists lost personnel and equipment.
“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the statement said.
The Theatre Command described the operation as another demonstration of effective collaboration between air and ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
