Defence Headquarters Reports Counteroffensive Against ISWAP/Boko Haram in Borno State
By MUHAMMED DAMBABA
The Defence Headquarters announced a decisive response to a large-scale attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the Sabon Gari community in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. The counteroffensive led to the elimination of 34 terrorists, though six soldiers lost their lives in the engagement.
Key Details of the Attack and Counteroffensive
- Terrorist Assault
- The attack involved an unspecified number of terrorists using motorcycles and gun trucks.
- The group targeted Sabon Gari in retaliation for the recent killing of their commanders.
- Response by Armed Forces
- Ground Forces: Troops deployed in Sabon Gari, along with reinforcements from Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, thwarted the attack.
- Air Component: Operation Hadin Kai conducted airstrikes on fleeing terrorists.
- Outcomes
- Terrorist Losses:
- 34 terrorists neutralized.
- 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition recovered.
- Casualties:
- Six soldiers killed in action.
- A vigilante commander injured by an improvised explosive device (IED).
- Terrorist Losses:
Statement from the Military
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to ending insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, highlighting the swift and coordinated response that overwhelmed the attackers.
Next Steps
The names of the fallen soldiers are being withheld until their next of kin are officially notified. The military has urged the media to respect this process.
This operation underscores the ongoing resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces to combat terrorism and secure affected communities.
