The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of six soldiers during a raid by the Islamic State/Boko Haram group on its military base in Borno State.
Channels Television reported the incident on Monday, January 6, citing two military officers who stated that fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a pre-dawn attack using trucks and motorcycles on the base in Sabon Gari, 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,” AFP quoted one of the officers.
Fighter jets were deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri, around 100 kilometres away, and struck the attackers as they retreated.
In an update on Wednesday, January 8, the Defence Headquarters stated that 34 terrorists were killed, 23 AK-47 rifles were recovered, and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were seized. However, it confirmed the loss of six personnel during the confrontation.
“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 Improvised 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 over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action.
“Kindly note that the names of k!lled 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 reiterated its commitment to ending insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, stating it remains “profoundly conscious” of its role and responsibility in safeguarding the nation.
Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and its rival faction ISWAP, along with armed criminal groups.
The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced around two million people in the northeast. In November, five Nigerian troops were killed and 10 injured when ISWAP fighters raided a base in Kareto village near the border with Niger.
