From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said troops fighting the counter insurgency operations have killed 34 terrorists and recovered 23 AK 47 riffles .
The troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba said,sadly six soldiers were said to have lost their lives when the terrorists riding on motor cycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Dambola Local Government Area of Borno State in a fire fight.
He said the names of the deceased soldiers are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin be concluded and appeal to the media to respect the process.
The statement reads; “On January 4,2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/Biko Haram terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Dambola Local Government Area of Borno State in a fire fight. The terrorist had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorist 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, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore , though troops reinforcement team encountered Improvise Explosive Device that injured 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( BDA), revealed that several terrorists were killed and weapons were recovered.
“On the whole, 34 terrorist were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions. Sadly, six 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 course of defeating the terrorists”.