The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed six Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, who attempted to infiltrate Dikwa in Borno on Tuesday.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Yerima explained that the terrorists mounted on five gun trucks, some on motorcycles, and other foot soldiers tried to infiltrate the town through the Gajibo axis.

He stated that the terrorists “were met with superior firepower” by the Nigerian troops and air bombardment by the Air Task Force.

He added the terrorists were “thoroughly vanquished, forcing them to withdraw in a high state of confusion, abandoning their truck, guns, and ammunition.”

According to him, items recovered during the encounter include one gun truck, eight AK-47 rifles, 40 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 39 special ammo, three motorcycles, and six magazines.

“To mop up the area, troops conducted exploitation in the early hours of Wednesday in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes and recovered 90 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 on links belonging to the fleeing terrorists.

“Sadly, however, three soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries but are in stable condition as they are receiving treatment at the field Ambulance in Dikwa,” said the army statement.

It added, “The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has extended his commendation to the gallant troops over the feat and charges them to remain resolute and steadfast.

“He added that the tempo must be maintained to ensure total obliteration of terrorist groups within the North-East region.”