Gladness Gideon
In a decisive counterinsurgency operation, troops under the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled an attempted infiltration by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in New Marte, Borno State, neutralizing scores of insurgents in the process.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, was confirmed by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, through a statement issued by Captain Reuben Kuvangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the statement, the attack was swiftly contained through coordinated ground combat and timely air support. Troops from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion responded immediately, engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight. Concurrently, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), in addition to executing precision airstrikes on fleeing insurgents.
“Several of the attackers were neutralized, and a number of their vehicles and motorcycles destroyed,” the statement revealed. “One Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned during the pursuit was recovered by troops, along with the lifeless bodies of terrorists and blood trails, indicating further enemy casualties.”
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Tragically, two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. However, the military emphasized the resolve of its forces to maintain operational dominance and sustain the offensive against insurgent elements.
In a separate but related incident, troops successfully thwarted another attack on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe, inflicting heavy losses on the assailants. “The terrorists met a bloody nose,” the military spokesperson added.
The Army praised the seamless synergy between its ground and air units, describing the effort as a testament to the renewed unity and determination within Operation Hadin Kai. The operation, which is tasked with restoring peace to Nigeria’s troubled North East, continues to deliver results that bolster security and foster conditions for economic recovery in the region.
The military has reiterated its commitment to denying terrorists the freedom to operate and ensuring the safety of all citizens in the region.