On Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters said that a violent clash in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, on January 4, 2025, claimed the lives of over 34 terrorists and six soldiers.
In response to the recent killing of their commanders and other combatants by troops, the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops stationed in the region, according to a statement made by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
When a patrol squad returning to base stopped the militants’ planned ambush, Buba stated the gun trucks and motorcycles they were riding encountered fierce opposition.
“An unknown number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops stationed in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight on January 4, 2025. After troops just killed their commander and warriors, the terrorists tried to surprise the troops and exact revenge,” he stated.
According to two military commanders who spoke to AFP on Monday, militants associated with the Islamic State West Africa Province killed six troops during a raid on the Forward Operating Base in Borno State’s Damboa Local Government Area.
“As soon as the attack started, troops battling a patrol heading back to base stopped the terrorists’ planned attack, taking them by surprise. Furthermore, the troops’ reinforcement squad, which included vigilantes, hybrid forces, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, promptly arrived on the site to defeat the terrorists. Additionally, the Vigilante Commander was hurt by an improvised explosive device that the forces’ reinforcement team came across. The escaping terrorist was destroyed by the reinforcement team when they arrived.”
Buba further stated that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out air interdictions on the terrorists who were escaping, adding that a battle damage assessment verified that 34 terrorists had been killed and that 23 AK-47 rifles, more than 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons had been recovered.
“In addition, the air element of Operation HADIN KAI carried out air interdiction on the terrorist who was escaping,” Buba stated. According to the battle damage assessment, multiple terrorists were killed and weapons were found. Overall, 23 AK-47 rifles were found and 34 terrorists were killed. Additionally, more than 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were discovered by the troops. Six personnel were tragically killed in battle.
He urged the media to assist them in this regard, however, and stated that the names of the fallen soldiers had been kept secret until their next of kin had been notified.
“Please take note that to complete the administrative process of informing their Next of Kin, the names of slain in-action soldiers are suppressed. Therefore, we kindly ask that the media respect the process,” Buba stated.
