THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of six soldiers in a terrorist attack on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Saturday, 4 January 2025 with reports indicating that some soldiers are still missing.
Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the identities of the fallen soldiers remain undisclosed, adhering to administrative protocols.
According to Buba, the military successfully neutralised 34 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during the encounter. Additionally, troops recovered 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of ammunition from the insurgents.
The attack is believed to be a retaliatory move by ISWAP after recent military operations led to significant losses, including the elimination of key leaders and fighters within the group.
“On 4 January 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 statement reads.
“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
“Additionally, troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though the troops reinforcement team encountered Improvised Explosive Devices injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorists.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.
“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.
“On the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
“Accordingly, troops remain committed to the cause of defeating the terrorists.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media