Nigeria’s military has reported that six soldiers were murdered in an attack on its military camp in Damboa, Borno State, on Sunday by the terrorist organization Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Nonetheless, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters said that during the conflict with the militants, 34 terrorists were slain and 23 AK-47 rifles were found. The statement claimed that the terrorists’ attack on the base was retaliation against the troops for the death of their commander.
A shootout broke out between troops stationed in SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State and an unknown number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists on motorbikes and gun trucks on January 4, 2025, according to the statement. After their commander and combatants were just killed by troops, the terrorists tried to surprise them and exact revenge.
The intended attack was thwarted as soon as it started by troops fighting a patrol returning to the base, which caught the terrorists off guard. Furthermore, a reinforcement squad of troops, including members of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, promptly arrived on the spot to subdue the terrorists.
Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time 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.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with 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 to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”