Victory In Borno: 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists Neutralised In Sabon Gari Battle.
In a decisive victory against insurgency, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters announced on Wednesday morning that at least 34 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were killed in a fierce confrontation at Sabon Gari Community, located in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The news was conveyed in a statement titled, ‘Terrorists Killed in Attack on Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA of Borno State,’ issued by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations.
According to the statement, the clash occurred on the 4th of January 2025, when a group of terrorists, equipped with motorcycles and gun trucks, launched an assault on troops stationed in Sabon Gari. This attack was an apparent retaliation for the recent elimination of their commanders by military forces.
“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops,” Major General Buba explained. However, their plan was thwarted by a vigilant fighting patrol returning to base, which engaged the assailants as soon as the attack began.
Further bolstering the military’s response, a reinforcement team comprising elements from the Civilian Joint Taskforce, local vigilantes, and hybrid forces arrived promptly at the scene. The reinforcement team managed to overpower the terrorists, although not without incident; their commander was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) during the operation.
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai also played a crucial role by conducting air interdictions on the terrorists attempting to flee the battlefield. Post-conflict assessments confirmed the significant impact of the operation, with the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, alongside the neutralisation of 34 terrorists.
This successful operation not only demonstrates the Nigerian military’s readiness and capability to counter insurgent threats but also underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between different security forces in maintaining peace and security in the region.
The Defence Headquarters continues to assure the public of its commitment to eradicating terrorism from Nigerian soil, urging citizens to remain vigilant and supportive of these ongoing efforts.
