The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two officers and five soldiers when troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force(JTF) North East(NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) engaged Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who infiltrated Kala Balge.
According to the Army Director of Information, Onyema Nwachukwu, the terrorists invaded the town with gun trucks and motorcycles on Friday, 3 December 2021.
Nwachukwu, a Brigadier General in a statement issued on Saturday, revealed that the troops defended the town and neutralized 26 BH/ISWAP terrorists. They also captured terrorists’ combat vehicles, 18 AK 47 rifles and one M-21 rifle with large quantity of ammunition, while several other equipment were also destroyed by troops.
The statement reads:
“Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force(JTF) North East(NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralized scores of Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who infiltrated Kala Balge town mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles on Friday, 3 December 2021.
“The insurgents attacked troops deployed at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) Rann, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon. Troops gallantly engaged the maurading terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon
their mission and withdrew in disarray.
“In the fierce battle for Kala Balge, troops defended the town and neutralized 26 BH/ISWAP terrorists. The gallant troops also captured terrorists’ combat vehicles, 18 AK 47 rifles and one M-21 rifle with large quantity of ammunition. Several other equipment were also destroyed by troops.
“Regrettably, two officers and five soldiers paid the supreme price, while three personnel who sustained gun shot wounds are currently receiving medical attention.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has paid tribute to the departed heroes, who paid the supreme price in defending their fatherland. He has also commended troops for their gallantry in the North East, especially with the recent successes recorded in Gajiram and the Tumbus.”
