In a fierce counter offensive, troops of Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralized over 50 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Top commanders of ISWAP as well as foot soldiers were eliminated in the process.

Combat equipment of the terrorists were also destroyed in a fierce offensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and several Gun Trucks.

The 115 Task Force Battalion had an encounter with ISWAP terrorists in Askira Uba on Thursday 13th November, during which the troops aggressively defended their location and followed up with a ferocious counter attack. Unfortunately, the Commander 28 Task Force Brigade along side three of his soldiers paid the supreme price.

“While the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit.

“Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and in the encounter that ensued, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment.

“The equipment destroyed by troops include, an MRAP vehicle and 11 Gun Trucks. The troops also recovered large cache of arms and ammunition: five Gun Trucks, two Anti Aircraft Guns, five AK 47 rifles, one HK Machine Gun and one HK Machine Gun links,” Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations said on Monday.

In another development, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion conducted a dawn exploitation towards Leho village and environs, where they discovered three corpses of the fleeing terrorists and also recovered 2,560 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 29 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by the terrorists.

In a separate operation, troops have also recovered one AK 47 rifle and uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a patrol in Karawa village and Baga Fish Dam area respectively.

The IED has been safely detonated by a team of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.