Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack In Borno, Military Says Scores Killed

Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a Boko Haram attack on Kukawa in Borno State, with the military saying several fighters were killed during a combined ground and air response.

The attack happened at about 10:50pm on August 28, when fighters targeted troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in the town. The military said the soldiers responded with direct and indirect fire and forced the attackers to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.

According to the operational account reported by Vanguard and Daily Post, the air component later struck fleeing fighters who were moving on motorcycles. The reports said an estimated 10 fighters were killed under tree cover, while a follow-up strike killed another 15 and destroyed 10 motorcycles.

Ground troops also recovered two motorcycles, ammunition and other items during later operations in the area. Four soldiers were injured in the engagement, but the military said the injuries were not life-threatening and that the personnel had been evacuated for treatment.

The military said troops had begun further checks around the area while an assessment of the operation was still underway. Kukawa and nearby communities around the Lake Chad axis have remained exposed to attacks and movement by Boko Haram and ISWAP-linked fighters.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post