By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed 26 terrorists while thwarting an attack on a community in Borno State.

The operation took place on Friday around Kadiya village in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region.

The publication reported that the terrorists engaged troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion at about 10:45 pm.

Citing military sources, Makama said the attackers were forced to retreat following a coordinated ground and air response by the troops.

As the terrorists attempted to escape, the Nigerian Air Force reportedly carried out two precision airstrikes against the fleeing fighters.

The first strike targeted about 10 terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees, while the second was directed at insurgents retreating towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

According to Makama, the airstrikes killed 25 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles reportedly used by the fleeing fighters.

During a clearance operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route on Saturday morning, troops reportedly discovered the body of another terrorist, bringing the total number of fatalities to 26.

The troops also recovered 253 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two anti-aircraft rounds.

Other items recovered included a shuttle bag, eye protector, pair of spectacles and two wristwatches.

However, four soldiers sustained injuries during the operation, while one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was damaged.

The injured soldiers were reportedly evacuated for medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.