Borno: Troops contain ISWAP attack on Pulka, Gwoza LGA

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully containing an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza local government area of Borno state.

The terrorists launched the attack Monday as troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations within the area. Despite the intensity of the attack, the troops stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower and determined resistance, denying the terrorists any opportunity to breach or overrun their positions.

The troops’ resolute response forced the terrorists to abandon the assault and withdraw from the area with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces.

The engagement was further strengthened by timely air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI. Air assets provided critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, giving ground troops enhanced awareness of the unfolding situation and enabling effective coordination of the response.

 As the terrorists attempted to escape following the fierce resistance from ground troops, the air component conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and further frustrating their efforts to regroup.

 The Civilian Joint Task Force also played an important supporting role during the operation by providing useful local information and assisting the troops in maintaining situational awareness.

During the fierce encounter, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to the left arm. He was promptly evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and he is currently responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable.

 Meanwhile, following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to determine the extent of damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and obtain further intelligence that could facilitate follow-up operations against the fleeing terrorist elements.