Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa, Borno State, have repelled an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on their military base.
The assault took place between 9pm and 11:30pm on Tuesday, October 6, when the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the military position from four directions.
Security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, said the troops fought back with support from the Air Component.
The engagement reportedly lasted for several hours before the soldiers succeeded in forcing the attackers to retreat.
More than 25 terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the confrontation, while 14 bodies were recovered from the scene, according to the sources.
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The troops also recovered weapons and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing fighters, including six AK-47 rifles.
The military, however, suffered casualties during the attack, with some soldiers reportedly killed and others wounded.
Following the incident, the Brigade Commander visited the location to oversee efforts to reposition troops and replenish personnel and equipment.
The commander also coordinated further exploitation of the battlefield as security forces continued operations in the area.
The latest attack comes as the Nigerian military intensifies efforts to contain terrorist groups operating around Kukawa and other communities in the Lake Chad region.
Further information on the casualties and weapons recovered is expected as the military completes its assessment of the attack.