The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that a confrontation between troops and insurgents in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on January 4, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 34 terrorists and six soldiers.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, who explained that the attack was a retaliation effort by Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists following the recent killing of their commanders by Nigerian forces.
“On January 4, 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops stationed in Sabon Gari. The attack was meant to surprise our personnel and avenge the loss of their commander and fighters,” Buba stated.
The terrorists targeted a patrol team returning to base, but troops responded promptly and thwarted their ambush.
Reinforcements comprising the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces swiftly arrived, forcing the insurgents into retreat.
“Troops on patrol foiled the planned ambush, engaging the attackers decisively. Reinforcements, including vigilantes and hybrid forces, reached the scene in time to decimate the fleeing terrorists,” Buba noted.
He further revealed that an improvised explosive device injured a vigilante commander during the operation, but troops pressed on, inflicting heavy casualties.
Additionally, airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI targeted the fleeing terrorists, neutralizing several of them.
“A battle damage assessment confirmed the elimination of 34 terrorists. Troops also recovered 23 AK-47 rifles, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons,” Buba stated.
Despite the success, the military suffered the loss of six personnel. “Sadly, six soldiers were killed in action. Their names are being withheld until their next of kin are notified,” Buba added.
He urged the media to respect the process of informing the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the military’s dedication to eradicating insurgency.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to defeat terrorism and restore peace to the nation,” he concluded.
