Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military position in Kukawa, Borno State.

The terrorists reportedly attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four directions, but the soldiers responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated battlefield operations.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Goni said the troops, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, overwhelmed the attackers and forced surviving terrorists to flee.

“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” he said.

He said troops subsequently conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.

The military said further operations were underway to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.

Some soldiers were also killed during the encounter, although the Army did not immediately disclose the number.

The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, commending their courage, sacrifice and commitment to duty.

It said the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops operating in the North-East Theatre.

The Army also highlighted the role of air-ground coordination in the operation, saying joint military action had helped disrupt the terrorists and restrict their freedom of movement.

The military said troops would sustain aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordinated offensives against terrorist and other criminal groups in the North-East.

It said the operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting communities and safeguarding the country.