The military high command today shed light on the events that unfolded between terrorists and personnel stationed at the Forward Operating Base in the Sabon Gari Area of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The military confirmed that six soldiers were killed in the confrontation, while 34 terrorists, who attempted to surprise the troops and avenge the recent killing of their commander and combatants, were eliminated.
Earlier reports indicated that, four days after Boko Haram terrorists attacked the military base, several soldiers remained unaccounted for. This situation was deemed “worrisome” by many security experts.
READ ALSO: MNJTF seizes IED materials from terrorist in Borno
The terrorists, in large numbers, launched the attack around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Forward Operating Base. The total number of casualties remained uncertain as more bodies were recovered by the military search team by yesterday morning.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major- General Edward Buba, clarified that the majority of the recovered bodies were those of the terrorists.
General Buba disclosed that the terrorists were neutralized by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI, which carried out air interdiction operations.
The senior military official also stated that a Battle Damage Assessment showed several terrorists were killed and their weapons were seized.
Although Buba mentioned that the Vigilante Commander was injured when he stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, he emphasized that the timely arrival of the troops’ reinforcement team was crucial in overpowering the terrorists.
He provided the following details: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village, Damboa LGA, Borno State in a firefight.
“The terrorists attempted to surprise the troops and retaliate for the recent killing of their commander and combatants by the troops. However, the troops, returning from a fighting patrol, thwarted the attack as soon as it began.
“Additionally, a reinforcement team made up of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces arrived in time to overpower the terrorists.
“Despite the encounter with Improvised Explosive Devices that injured the Vigilante Commander, the reinforcement team’s swift arrival played a critical role in decimating the fleeing terrorists.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction against the escaping terrorists. The Battle Damage Assessment shows several terrorists were killed, and weapons were recovered.
“In total, 34 terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 rifles were recovered. The troops also seized over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Unfortunately, six personnel were killed in action.”
The senior officer urged media organizations and Nigerians to respect the non-disclosure of the names of personnel killed in action, allowing the administrative procedures to inform their next of kin.
Crediblenewsng.com
