The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed many terrorists and arrested a Chadian kidnap kingpin.
The Nigerian Army says ESN and IPOB did not kill six of its soldiers and that its troops in Abia are not on a revenge mission.
However, he revealed that the Nigerian Army was on a manhunt for the bandits, assuring that they will be arrested soonest.
“As I said, I can be quoted: the only place I see new AK46 is in Abuja. That is necessary because that is the image of Nigeria.
“Regrettably, one gallant officer and six soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while five other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries,” said the army.
The insurgents reportedly disguised as friendly troops to enter the fortified headquarters of the powerful 156 Task Force Battalion in Mainok.
The soldiers commandeered two Browning machine guns, 20 AK-47 rifles, five FN rifles, two 60mm mortar tube.
Mr. Aruwan said that the suspected bandit was nabbed in a neighboring state.
The soldiers from 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, reportedly took part in the operation, which was designed to intimidate villagers.
Two soldiers were confirmed injured in the fiery exchange, with many terrorists suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
