Dare Babalola
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, have thwarted coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Pulka and Mandaragirau, Borno State.
The statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, stated that the attacks occurred late on Saturday, when insurgents attempted to overrun military positions in the two locations.
Terrorists from the Sambisa Forest launched a fierce attack on Sector 1 troops in Pulka, but soldiers put up a strong fight, engaging the attackers in an intense firefight and ultimately repelling the assault.
The statement noted that though the attackers briefly breached the defensive perimeter, causing damage to equipment and facilities, troops from 26 Brigade quickly reinforced the position, forcing the insurgents to retreat towards Sambisa.
“Credible intelligence indicates that the terrorists suffered severe casualties, including a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha who sustained a critical gunshot injury to the neck leading to his death, alongside significant losses of weapons and equipment,” the statement read.
The military added that there were no casualties among troops during the Pulka engagement.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau reportedly came under a coordinated, multi-pronged attack by ISWAP fighters mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles. The statement said troops had tactically positioned combat teams in anticipation of such assaults and successfully repelled the attackers after a fierce exchange of gunfire.
While the defence of the location was not breached, the military acknowledged that some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed in the encounter. Others who sustained injuries were evacuated by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and Nigerian Army aviation platforms for medical attention.
“Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The military further disclosed that follow-up operations along the Kimba axis revealed blood trails, shallow graves and abandoned items, while eyewitness accounts suggested that several injured terrorists were evacuated from the battlefield.
The High Command commended the troops for what it described as professionalism and resilience, stating that the failed attacks reflected the increasing pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace and stability to the region.
