Nigerian Military Kills 34 Terrorists, Loses 6 Troops in Foiled Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack in Borno State

The Nigerian military, on Wednesday, said with both ground and air components of operation Hadin Kai, it killed no fewer than 34 terrorists and recovered 23 AK 47 rifles during a failed retaliatory attack by elements of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military, however, revealed that six of its men paid the supreme price during the foiled attack, while troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stressed that names of personnel killed in action were withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin, be concluded.

Stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, the military appealed to the media to respect the administrative process of informing the Next of Kin of the personnel that paid the ultimate price.

“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 fire fight.

“The terrorist had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate for the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

“But the terrorists were taken unawares, when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.”

General Buba said troops’ reinforcement team during the botched attack comprised elements of civilian joint taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces, who arrived at the scene timely to overpower the terrorists.

He also disclosed that the troops’ reinforcement team encountered Improvised Explosive Devices, which injured the vigilante commander, stressing that the reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorist.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle damage assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons,” he said.

Buba said the troops remained committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.

Meanwhile, a former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Boko Haram attack in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area, last Saturday.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) federal lawmaker, who is representing Borno South in the Senate, commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and pledged support for the victims.

Ndume spoke when he visited the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force, North East, ‘Operation Hadin KAI’ in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Defence Headquarters, through a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the development.

Buba disclosed that, “Following a large-scale attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Sabon Gari Community in Damboa LGA, Borno, joint air and ground forces neutralised over 34 terrorists during firefights. However, six (6) soldiers were killed in action during the encounter.”

Southern Borno, particularly areas like Mandara Mountain, Damboa, Biu’s Mandaga Garau, as well as parts of Ngulde and Ngwahi in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, has been grappling with persistent insecurity.

The challenges have prompted Ndume to intensify his engagements with military leaders to seek solutions.

The visit, according to Ndume, was aimed at assessing the efforts of the military in combating insurgency and at commending their dedication in protecting lives and property.

Ndume prayed for God to grant a swift recovery to those who sustained various degrees of injury during the latest encounter with terrorists.

During the visit, Ndume held a closed-door meeting with Major General Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’.

The discussion might be connected with the recent security breaches, including the attacks on Kauji, Wajirko, and Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area in his constituency.

The Senator extended his sympathies to the Theatre Commander and the troops, acknowledging the complexities of the security situation and applauding their bravery in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced the donation of N300 million to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

Zulum announced this on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after attending the 2025 MNJT Operation Desert Sanity 2 Medal Parade held in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.

He said the donation would be disbursed through the “Tribute to Our Troops Charity Foundation,” which aims to honour the fallen heroes, celebrate serving men and women who fight endlessly to keep Nigeria’s territorial integrity intact and reach out to the families they left behind.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has set up a foundation that will look into the welfare of the families of the deceased soldiers and those who were wounded in action,” the governor stated.

The governor added that: “There is nothing we can do better than this; they sacrificed their lives to pay the supreme price. We shall continue to support them. I am happy that this kind of foundation has been set up. If there is any one state in Nigeria that should key in to support this foundation, it is Borno.”

He reiterated that despite the ongoing challenges, the insurgency in the North East had drastically reduced, urging the military to intensify efforts towards eliminating the remnants of Boko Haram across the Lake Chad region.

The MNJTF medal parade, first hosted in 2017, honours troops who made supreme sacrifices and appreciates the commitment of soldiers and commanders fighting Boko Haram insurgents in countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to fighting insecurity in the North East and other parts of the country.

He said: “Let me commend the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the leadership he has provided, motivating the troops and giving the direction needed to provide lasting peace in Nigeria.”

Source » arise.tv