By Emmanuel Nduka
In a daring and intense confrontation on January 4, 2025, Nigerian troops successfully repelled an attack by ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
A statement on Wednesday by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations , stated that the assault, launched by terrorists on motorcycles and in armed gun trucks, was swiftly foiled after troops on a returning patrol detected the threat and engaged the attackers.
Buba explained that the terrorists had intended to retaliate for the recent death of their commander and several combatants at the hands of the Nigerian military. However, the surprise ambush turned against them when reinforcements from the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces arrived in time to overwhelm the terrorists.
While reinforcements faced a deadly setback from an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, that injured the Vigilante Commander, their timely intervention contributed significantly to the defeat of the terrorists. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI also played a critical role, executing a precise airstrike that helped decimate the fleeing militants, Gen. Buba stated.
Buba added that battle damage assessment confirmed the elimination of 34 terrorists and the recovery of substantial weaponry, including 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Tragically, six Nigerian military personnel lost their lives in the firefight.
The Nigerian military authorities said the identities of the fallen troops are being withheld pending the completion of administrative procedures for notifying their next of kin.
Major General Buba further emphasized that the military remains resolute in its mission to defeat terrorism and restore peace to the nation.
