Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents on Buratai in Biu Local Government Area and Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, carried out through a joint effort between ground troops and the Air Component of OPHK, led to the elimination of scores of terrorists and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, according to a statement issued by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters.
According to the statement, in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, terrorists attempted to infiltrate military positions in Buratai, a community in southern Borno known for its strategic importance in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
It noted that alert troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel.
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It also said that the exchange was supported by close air support from the Nigerian Air Force, which targeted the fleeing terrorists with precision strikes.
“Following the clash, several dead bodies of insurgents were discovered, and a large cache of weapons, including rifles and ammunition, was recovered.
“Troops have since launched exploitation operations in the surrounding area to clear any remaining threats and gather intelligence”, the statement reads.
In a related development, troops also thwarted another attempted attack in Mallam Fatori, a border town in northern Borno often targeted due to its proximity to terrorist escape routes.
According to the military, the terrorists launched a multi-pronged assault on troops’ locations but were met with overwhelming firepower.
“The troops engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray,” the statement read.
Troops pursued the fleeing militants, killing many during the chase.
Preliminary reports from the scene confirmed the death of several insurgents and the recovery of a considerable number of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), and other combat equipment.
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The Defence Headquarters praised the bravery and professionalism of the troops, emphasising that the success of the operation is a reflection of the Nigerian military’s renewed resolve to rid the region of terrorist elements.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to denying terrorists freedom of action in the Northeast.
“Operation HADIN KAI continues to demonstrate the resilience and dedication of our troops who work tirelessly to safeguard the nation”, the statement noted.
The military has called on the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security across Nigeria.
Operation HADIN KAI was launched to combat insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast region, which has been plagued by over a decade of attacks from Boko Haram and its splinter groups.
