The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the deaths of over 34 terrorists and six military personnel during a fierce encounter in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, on January 4, 2025. The clash marked a significant episode in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the terrorists, identified as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, launched a retaliatory attack on troops stationed in the area.
The insurgents aimed to avenge the recent elimination of their commanders and other combatants by Nigerian forces.
The insurgents, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted a surprise ambush. However, a patrol team returning to base detected and thwarted the planned assault, engaging the attackers in a firefight.
The Nigerian forces’ resistance was bolstered by reinforcements comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and hybrid forces.
“On January 4, 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village,” said Major General Buba. “The terrorists attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants.”
The reinforcements arrived swiftly, despite encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) en route, which injured the Vigilante Commander.
Their timely intervention decimated the fleeing insurgents, who were further targeted by air interdictions from Operation HADIN KAI.
Major General Buba confirmed the recovery of substantial weaponry from the operation, including 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
He also noted that the air component of Operation HADIN KAI had carried out targeted strikes on the fleeing terrorists, ensuring significant losses on their side.
“Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons,” he stated. “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, six personnel were killed in action.”
The names of the deceased soldiers have been withheld pending notification of their next of kin, and Major General Buba urged the media to respect the process.
“The names of killed-in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded,” he said.
This incident follows a recent attack reported by PUNCH Online, in which six soldiers lost their lives during a raid on the Forward Operating Base in Damboa.
The ongoing operations in the region reflect the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to combating insurgency and restoring peace.
Major General Buba reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat terrorism. “Troops remain resolute in their mission to defeat the terrorists,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the nation.
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