The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that over 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed during a fierce battle in Sabon Gari Community, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, on January 4, 2025.
Six soldiers also lost their lives in the attack.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, issued a statement detailing the events. He said the terrorists, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to retaliate after the recent killing of their commanders but were swiftly overwhelmed by joint air and ground forces.
The attack began when a group of terrorists engaged troops in Sabon Gari Village in an ambush.
However, the troops’ fighting patrol, returning to base, foiled the planned assault, surprising the attackers. A reinforcement team, including the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, arrived in time to overpower the terrorists.
Despite encountering an improvised explosive device, which injured the vigilante commander, the reinforcement team successfully decimated the fleeing terrorists. The air component of Operation Hadin Kai also conducted air strikes on the remaining insurgents.
Battle damage assessments revealed the death of 34 terrorists, along with the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Sadly, six soldiers were killed in action. The names of the fallen personnel have not been disclosed to allow for the completion of administrative procedures for notifying their next of kin.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to defeating insurgency and terrorism in the country.
