On January 4, 2025, ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops in Sabon Gari village of Damboa LGA in Borno State. The terrorists aimed to retaliate against the recent killing of their commanders and combatants by launching a surprise attack. However, troops on patrol foiled their ambush and engaged them in a gun battle, Buba said.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of 34 terrorists and six soldiers following a fierce encounter in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on January 4, 2025.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. He explained that the clash was triggered by an attack launched by terrorists from the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram. The insurgents had sought to retaliate against recent military operations that eliminated their commanders and fighters.
According to Buba, the terrorists, using motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to ambush troops stationed in the area. However, their plans were thwarted by a patrol team returning to base, resulting in a fierce firefight. Reinforcements comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces were quickly dispatched to the scene, overpowering the insurgents.
“On January 4, 2025, ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops in Sabon Gari village of Damboa LGA in Borno State. The terrorists aimed to retaliate against the recent killing of their commanders and combatants by launching a surprise attack. However, troops on patrol foiled their ambush and engaged them in a gun battle,” Buba said.
The reinforcement team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) en route to the scene, injuring the Vigilante Commander. Despite this, the team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing insurgents. Additionally, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted airstrikes on the retreating terrorists, ensuring significant casualties among them.
A Battle Damage Assessment revealed that 34 terrorists were neutralized, while troops recovered 23 AK-47 rifles, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other weapons from the encounter.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 weapons were recovered, along with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action,” Buba said.
Buba noted that the names of the deceased soldiers are being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin. He urged the media to respect this process.
“Kindly note that the names of personnel killed in action 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,” he said.
Buba reaffirmed the military’s determination to eradicate terrorism and insurgency in the country, emphasizing that troops remain resolute in their mission to defeat the terrorists.
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