The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the details of Saturday’s terrorist attack on the Forward Operating Base in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, attributed to Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram insurgents, claimed the lives of six newly recruited soldiers.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, described the attack as a reprisal by the insurgents in response to recent military operations that eliminated their commanders and combatants.
The terrorists, equipped with motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to ambush the military base but were met with resistance by troops returning from patrol.
The encounter escalated when reinforcements, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, joined the fight.
“On January 4, 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists attempted a surprise attack on troops deployed in Damboa. However, a patrol team foiled their ambush, and reinforcements arrived promptly to overpower the terrorists,” Buba said.
Despite the loss of six soldiers, the military inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents.
According to Buba, 34 terrorists were killed during the firefight, with the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducting air interdictions on the fleeing attackers.
The operation also led to the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons.
However, the reinforcement team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that injured the Vigilante Commander.
Maj. Gen. Buba expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and confirmed that their names are being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, assuring the public that troops remain steadfast in their mission to secure the nation.