The defence headquarters (DHQ) says 34 terrorists have been killed in a firefight with troops deployed to Sabon Gari village in the Damboa LGA of Borno state.
In a statement on Wednesday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the incident occurred on January 4 after the terrorists, riding motorcycles, attacked the troops.
Buba noted that the terrorists had attempted to surprise the troops in retaliation for the recent killing of their commander and combatants.
“The terrorists were taken by surprise when troops on a fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as it commenced,” the statement reads.
“Additionally, a reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces arrived at the scene in time to overpower the terrorists.”
He said the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device (IED), which injured the vigilante commander.
The DHQ spokesperson said the air component of operation Hadin Kai conducted an air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.
“Battle damage assessment revealed several terrorists were killed, and weapons were recovered,” he added.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 rifles were recovered. Troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action.”
Buba noted that the names of the personnel killed during the attack were being withheld to allow for administrative procedures in notifying their next of kin.
“Overall, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Accordingly, troops remain committed to defeating the terrorists,” he added
