Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters along the Kirawa–Pulka corridor in Borno State, killing two insurgents during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Security sources said the incident took place on April 18 when soldiers of the 153 Task Force Battalion, on routine patrol along the Kirawa–Sabon Gari–Mararaba–Pulka route, encountered armed militants trying to infiltrate the Ngoshe area.
The attackers, who were reportedly riding motorcycles from the Miyanti axis, ran into the troops and were immediately engaged.
According to the sources, the soldiers responded with heavy firepower, killing two of the insurgents, while others fled in different directions, some believed to have sustained injuries.
Items recovered at the scene included a communication radio and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing fighters.
“No casualties were recorded among the troops, and there was no loss of equipment. The terrorists, however, suffered losses, with two confirmed dead and others escaping with possible gunshot wounds,” a source disclosed.
Troops subsequently carried out follow-up operations along the escape routes but did not make further contact with the insurgents.
Military authorities say the operation is part of sustained efforts to secure major supply routes and restrict the movement of insurgents within the theatre of operations.