The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 34 terrorists and six soldiers died during the attack on a military base at Sabon Gari in Damboa local government area of Borno State.
The director of defence media operations, Major General Edward Buba, who confirmed this in a statement, said the identity of killed-in-action soldiers is withheld to allow administrative procedures to inform their families.
The ISWAP/BHT terrorists, on 4 January 2025, rode on motorcycles and gun trucks and attacked troops deployed at Sabon Gari Village of Dambia local government area of Borno State.
According to General Buba, the terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
However, the terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
He said the troop’s reinforcement team, comprised of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, arrived on time to overpower the terrorists.
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The director said that although the troop’s reinforcement team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device injuring the vigilante commander, they arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorists.
He added that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai also conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.
According to him, the 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, six personnel were killed in action,” he said.
He explained that the names of killed in-action personnel are being withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin to be concluded.
He, therefore, requested that the media respect the process.
He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
He assured that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
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