Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Air Component were said to have on Wednesday killed over 50 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The suspected ISWAP members were reportedly killed in a foiled attack on Damboa Local Government in Borno State.
Also, the troops reportedly destroyed locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles while other members of the group took to their heels
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima.
The statement was titled ‘ISWAP terrorists decimated in Damboa, abandoned suicide mission.’
It reads, “ISWAP terrorist group launched a futile attack on Damboa LGA of Borno State.
“The terrorists attacked the town in multiple waves with Armoured Personnel Carriers and 12 gun trucks all mounted with anti-aircraft guns, as well as locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles.
“The gallant troops successfully defeated the attack, destroyed the locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles and neutralised over 50 ISWAP terrorists forcing the survivors to run in disarray under heavy gunfire from the resilient troops and Nigerian Air Force attack platforms.
“The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming fire power from the highly motivated troops. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, congratulated the troops including the Air Component for this great achievement.
“The COAS restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to ending terrorism and other violent crimes in the North East and the rest of the country. He further enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango until this noble goal is attained.”