On Wednesday, the Defense Headquarters announced that more than 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP militants were eliminated during a significant confrontation in the Sabon Gari Community, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defense Media Operations, made this announcement in a statement titled “Terrorists Neutralized in Assault on Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA of Borno State.”
He indicated that the militants, who were on motorcycles and in gun trucks, attempted to avenge the recent deaths of their leaders but were decisively defeated by coordinated air and ground forces.
The statement noted: “On January 4, 2025, an undetermined number of ISWAP/BHT militants, utilizing motorcycles and gun trucks, engaged troops stationed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa Local Government Area in a firefight. The militants aimed to catch the troops off guard and retaliate for the recent elimination of their commander and fighters by the military.”
“The terrorists were taken by surprise when a troop patrol returning to base thwarted their planned assault as soon as it began.
Moreover, a reinforcement unit, consisting of members from the Civilian Joint Taskforce, local vigilantes, and hybrid forces, arrived promptly to overpower the militants.”
The statement elaborated on the progression of the battle: “Although the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device that injured the vigilante commander, they arrived in time to eliminate the retreating terrorists.
Additionally, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai executed air strikes against the fleeing militants.”
Damage assessments indicated that 34 terrorists were killed, with the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The statement further emphasized the impact on the military: “Regrettably, six service members lost their lives in action. Please be aware that the names of those killed are being withheld to facilitate the necessary administrative procedures for notifying their next of kin. Therefore, we kindly ask the media to honor this process.”
“Overall, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is acutely aware of its duty and obligation to combat insurgency and terrorism within the country. As such, the troops remain dedicated to the mission of overcoming the terrorists.”
