In the early hours of November 25, 2024, troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled an attack by terrorists in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The attackers, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, attempted to breach the military camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis. The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, supported by the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, forcing the terrorists into a disorganized retreat.
During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralized, and many others fled with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered a significant cache of weapons, including five AK-47 rifles, an RPG bomb and tube, two Anti-Aircraft (AA) guns, one QJC gun, one NSV heavy machine gun, 40 motorcycles, and 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition. Four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the attackers were also destroyed.
Regrettably, three soldiers lost their lives during the attack. The area is currently being cleared with ongoing house-to-house searches to ensure security.
Lt Gen OO Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, praised the troops for their bravery and urged them to sustain their momentum through clearance operations and fighting patrols.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism in the Northeast and fostering a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
