No fewer than six frontline soldiers were killed in action as the military successfully eliminated 34 terrorists during a New Year offensive.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, reported that on January 4, 2025, a group of ISWAP/BHT terrorists, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, in a fierce firefight.
According to him, 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 on a fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
“Additionally, a troops reinforcement team, comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, as well as hybrid forces, timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though the troops reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device injuring the Vigilante Commander, the reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorists,” he said.
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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 were 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 those killed in action are withheld to allow administrative procedures for notifying their next of kin to 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 course of defeating the terrorists,” he added.
