Army reveals number of soldiers killed during ISWAP attack in Borno

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that six soldiers were killed when members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), launched a brutal attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred in the wee hours of Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Though, the identities of the soldiers remain undisclosed.

Buba revealed that during the attack, the military successfully neutralized 34 ISWAP members.

Additionally, troops recovered 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of ammunition from the insurgents.

Moreover, the attack, NewsBand understand, is believed to be a retaliatory move by the terror group after military operations led to serious losses, including the killing of key figures and fighters within the criminal organization.

“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 statement reads.

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate 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, troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, though the troops reinforcement team encountered Improvised Explosive Devices injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorists.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.

“Kindly note that the names of killed in action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.

“On the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.

“Accordingly, troops remain committed to the cause of defeating the terrorists”, Buba said.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook