By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have decisively foiled a coordinated, multi-directional terrorist attack on military positions in Kukawa after a fierce overnight battle reinforced by precision air strikes.
Security sources disclosed that the insurgents launched the assault late on February 20, advancing from multiple axes with gun trucks, motorcycles and foot soldiers in a calculated attempt to overwhelm the troops’ defences.
The soldiers mounted a stubborn resistance, engaging the attackers in intense combat that stretched into the early hours of February 21. After hours of sustained firepower and tactical coordination, the terrorists were forced to retreat, reportedly evacuating their casualties as they fled.
Air interdiction missions were swiftly activated, striking the withdrawing insurgents and destroying one gun truck and several motorcycles.
Additional fighters attempting to escape were neutralised during the follow-up strikes.
During exploitation operations at first light, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 fully loaded magazines, three handheld communication radios and other equipment believed to have been used in the failed assault.
Signs at the scene indicated that the terrorists removed some of their wounded or deceased members from the battlefield.
One soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, while some military equipment sustained damage from rocket fire.
Injured personnel were promptly evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities said the successful ground-air coordination underscores sustained pressure on insurgent elements and ongoing efforts to degrade their operational capacity across the theatre.
