By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a series of coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on several military positions across North East Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force North East OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops have maintained control of all affected locations despite intense overnight fighting.
The statement said the assaults targeted bases in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, and Mainok, as well as a troops’ harbour position deep inside the Sambisa Forest.
He noted that the attacks took place overnight between Sunday and Monday, when militants launched simultaneous assaults from several directions.
Lt. col. Sani said “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully defeated multiple coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP terrorists on military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok and troops’ harbour position deep in the Sambisa Forest.”
It added that the offensive appeared designed to overwhelm military defences.
Uba maintain that the attacks “were mounted simultaneously from several directions in an apparent attempt by the terrorists to overwhelm troop positions.”
Despite the scale of the offensive, troops resisted the assaults and coordinated defensive operations with reinforcements and air support.
The military said “Undeterred by the intensity of the assaults and the heavy firepower employed by the terrorists, the gallant troops were firm and responded with exceptional determination.”
The air support from the operation’s air component helped repel the fighters, forcing them to withdraw after suffering casualties.
According to the statement, “The terrorists were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and were forced into withdrawal after suffering significant casualties from several terrorist bodies left behind.”
The OPHK’s Media Information Officer said weapons abandoned during the retreat were recovered by troops, including two PKT machine guns, six AK-47 rifles, eight RPG bombs, four mortar bombs and assorted ammunition.
Military authorities said parts of defensive perimeters at Goniri and Kukawa were briefly breached during the intense firefight, while several structures and vehicles inside the bases were damaged.
However, the statement stressed that “All locations however remain firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops.”
The statement noted that follow-up operations are continuing in the affected areas, supported by air power, while troops are also conducting cordon-and-search missions in nearby communities where some wounded fighters were believed to be hiding.
The military also confirmed casualties among its personnel.
The statement said “Regrettably, the engagements claimed the lives of some brave and gallant soldiers, including an outstanding officer in Kukawa, who paid the ultimate price in defence of our nation and the protection of innocent citizens.”
Despite the losses, troops remain committed to continuing operations against militant groups in the region.
He added that “Troops remain vigilant, motivated and committed to sustaining relentless operations to deny the terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region.”
