Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted reports suggesting that ISWAP/BHT terrorists engaged Nigerian troops in a firefight in Sabon Gari Village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, clarified that the terrorists attempted to retaliate following the recent killing of their commander and combatants by Nigerian troops. However, their surprise attack was thwarted when troops returning from a fighting patrol foiled the planned ambush as soon as it began.
Major General Buba further explained that reinforcements, including the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, arrived at the scene promptly, overpowering the terrorists. Despite encountering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that injured the Vigilante Commander, the reinforcement team successfully decimated the fleeing attackers.
The air component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted airstrikes against the terrorists, leading to the death of several of them and the recovery of weapons. Battle damage assessments revealed that 34 terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 rifles, along with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, were recovered.
Tragically, six personnel were killed in action, with their identities withheld to allow for proper notification of their next of kin. Major General Buba reiterated the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to combating insurgency and terrorism, assuring that troops would continue their efforts to defeat the terrorists.
