The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) 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.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops stationed in the area in retaliation for the recent killing of commanders and combatants by troops.
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 a patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes as well and hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, although troops’ reinforcement team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist. “
Buba further stated that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI performed air interdictions on fleeing bandits, stating that a battle damage assessment confirmed the elimination of 34 terrorists and the seizure of 23 AK-47 rifles, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons.
Buba said, “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 over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action.”
He, however, said the names of the fallen servicemen had been withheld pending the notification of their next of kin, encouraging the media to cooperate with them as regards this.
“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,” Buba said.
He underlined the commitment of the Armed Forces to ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, stressing that forces remain resolute in their mission to fight the terrorists.
