…loses one soldier
New details have emerged about how troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), a military onslaught against terrorists in the North East, protected 10,000 households from an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attack in Banki, Borno State, and Bula, Yobe State.
The farming communities host over 10,000 families who have recently returned to their ancestral home after years of displacement by the Boko Haram insurgency.
This year, ISWAP and other Boko Haram splinter groups in Borno and Yobe have intensified attacks on civilians and security forces.
On September 18, ISWAP terrorists launched coordinated attacks on Banki and Bula communities, aiming to disrupt the hard-earned peace and plunge innocent citizens into fear and displacement.
However, a highly placed military source at the Army Headquarters told the Nation on Monday that the troops’ display of gallantry and resilience saved the situation.
The source explained that ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), mounted a robust defence, crushing the terrorists and inflicting heavy losses in both manpower and equipment, forcing them to flee in disarray.
According to the source, when the terrorists struck, the troops located at Banki, “reinforced by additional formations, stood firm to protect the surrounding towns, shielding women, children and elderly citizens”, who would have been the prime victims of the terror attack.
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He said one soldier paid the supreme price during the counter-offensive.
The source explained, “In Bula Yobe, soldiers displayed remarkable tactical discipline and courage, foiling repeated enemy attempts to breach the security of the areas, including troops’ positions.
“The troops’ resilience protected farmers who only recently returned to their lands to rebuild livelihoods. Their heroic actions ensured that not a single community was overrun and that families remained safe under the protection and cover of their military.”
Nigeria Army’s high command has commended the troops’ heroic display, praising their professionalism and resilience in achieving the daunting feat.
Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brig.-Gen Ugochukwu Unachukwu, during his visit to Banki on September 19, commended the troops for their “extraordinary sacrifice.”
Unachukwu confirmed that the terrorists had been dealt “a decisive blow” in the joint air and ground counter-offensive operation.
He expressed deep regret for the loss of one gallant soldier who paid the supreme price and those injured in defence of the civilian families.
The Acting GOC assured the residents of Banki and humanitarian agencies in the area of the Army’s unwavering commitment to protect the people and their means of survival.
He said the sacrifice of the troops stands as a testament to the Army’s resolve to guarantee peace, dignity, and safety for every Nigerian.
“The Nigerian Army remains resilient and more determined than ever to sustain ongoing operations. Under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, we remain unwaveringly resolute to safeguarding lives and property while discharging our constitutional mandate within a joint and multi-agency operational framework,” the Acting GOC said.