The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the deaths of six soldiers during a raid on its military base in Borno State by fighters from the Islamic State/Boko Haram group.
According to reports from two military officers, the attack was carried out by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who launched a pre-dawn assault on Sunday. They arrived in trucks and on motorcycles at the Sabon Gari base in Borno State’s Damboa district.
The insurgents reportedly set fire to the base and army vehicles. “We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists’ attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” one of the officers told AFP.
Fighter jets were deployed from Maiduguri, located 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, and struck the retreating attackers.
In an update released on Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters stated that, overall, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 rifles were recovered.
Additionally, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were seized. However, the DHQ confirmed that six of its personnel were killed in the attack.
The statement said “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 firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower 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.”
The Armed Forces emphasized their “profound awareness” of their duty to eliminate insurgency and terrorism in the country. They reaffirmed their commitment to the mission of defeating the terrorists.
Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), along with various armed criminal factions.
The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced nearly two million people, particularly in the northeast.
In November, five Nigerian soldiers lost their lives and 10 others were injured when ISWAP militants attacked a military base in Kareto village, near the Niger border.
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