Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday gave an insight into last weekend’s fierce gun battle between troops and terrorists in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local government Area of Borno State.
It said although six soldiers lost their lives, the troops neutralised 34 terrorists and recovered 23 AK- 47 rifles in the encounter.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made these known in a statement, did not give the number of those injured.
But Maj-Gen Buba explained that the ‘’Boko Haram/ISWAP’’ terrorists had attempted to surprise the troops and retaliate for the recent killing of their commander and combatants in the state.
The statement partly reads: “The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting a patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
“Additionally, a troop reinforcement team composed of elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
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“Furthermore, the troops’ reinforcement team encountered Ian improvised Explosive Device injuring the vigilante commander. The reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorists.”
He further explained the air component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists, after which battle damage assessment was carried out.
“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, 6 personnel were killed in action,’’ the DHQ spokesperson added
Maj. Gen. Buba advised the media to avoid making the names of the killed soldiers public until their families are informed of the death.
“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,” he said.
Ndume lauds troops’ resilience, offers support to victims
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly lauded the military for their resilience during the Damboa battle against the terrorists.
He sympathised with families of the victims and pledged support for the injured victims.
The Senator spoke during his visit to the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force(Northeast) ‘Operation Hadin KAI’ headquarters in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
“Following a large-scale attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Sabon Gari Community in Damboa LGA, Borno, joint air and ground forces neutralised over 34 terrorists during fire fights, however, six (6) soldiers were killed in action during the encounter.”
He explained that the visit enabled him to assess the military’s efforts in combating insurgency and commend their dedication to protecting lives and property.
The Senator prayed for God to grant quick recovery to the injured troops during the latest encounter with terrorists.
Ndume held a closed-door meeting with Major General Waidi Shuaibu, the theatre commander of ‘Operation Hadin Kai.’
He also visited victims of the attack and interacted with the affected constituents.
The lawmaker was said to have extended his sympathies to Shuaibu and the troops, acknowledging the complexities of the security situation and applauding their bravery in the face of adversity.
He said: “I deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our officers and soldiers in ensuring the safety of our communities.
“Your resilience is commendable, and we will continue to stand by you.”
