KUKAWA, Borno State — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, killing more than 25 terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition.

The attack was launched by the terrorists from four different directions against troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion. However, the soldiers reportedly mounted a strong resistance, supported by superior firepower, and successfully prevented the attackers from overrunning their position.

The Nigerian Army said the troops, with support from the Air Component, subsequently launched a counter-offensive that inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and forced surviving fighters to retreat from the area.

According to the Army, 14 bodies of the terrorists have so far been recovered from the battlefield, while further exploitation of the area is ongoing.

Six AK-47 rifles and quantities of ammunition were also recovered during the operation.

The Army further confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter, describing their deaths as the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.

The military commended the troops for their courage and resilience, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations against terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The development comes as Nigerian security forces continue sustained operations aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of ISWAP and other terrorist groups in the region.