The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said over 34 terrorists and six troops lost their lives during a fierce encounter in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on January 4, 2025.
According to a statement by the Director, of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists, had launched an attack on troops stationed in the area to retaliate against the recent killing of their commanders and other combatants by troops.
Buba said the insurgents, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, were met with stiff resistance when a patrol team returning to base foiled their planned ambush.
He said, “On January 4, 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.
READ ALSO: Gunmen impose ‘N172m levy’ on Zamfara villages as residents flee
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.
“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”
The Armed Forces reiterated that it is “profoundly conscious” of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
It added that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by various jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and a rival faction the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), as well as armed criminal groups.
The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.
In November, five Nigerian troops were killed and 10 more injured when ISWAP fighters raided a base in Kareto village near the border with Niger
