Troops of Hadin Kai have killed at least 25 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State.

A statement on Wednesday by the acting spokesman for the operation, Mohammed Goni, said the troops crushed a coordinated multi-directional assault and recovered arms and ammunition during a fierce counter-offensive.

“The terrorists, who attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four different flanks, met stiff resistance as the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and effective battlefield coordination,” he said.

He stated the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicted heavy casualties and forced the survivors to flee in disarray. 

According to him, preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were killed, with 14 bodies recovered.

“During the exploitation of the area, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles,” Mr Goni said. 

He stated that exploitation was ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.

“Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” he said. 

He added that the Nigerian Army sympathised with the families of the fallen heroes and stood with them during the difficult period.