Terrorists killed six soldiers during attack on Borno military base, says DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says six soldiers were killed during a terrorist attack on a military base at Sabon Gari in Dambo LGA of Borno state.

The attack occurred on Saturday, January 4, with latest reports suggesting that a handful of soldiers are still missing.

In a statement on Wednesday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the identities of the deceased soldiers were withheld in line with administrative procedures.

Buba said 34 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed, with 23 AK-47 weapons, and over 200 rounds of ammunition, recovered.

He added that the terrorists attempted to launch a surprise reprisal attack following recent losses of their top leader and fighters.

“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.”

Nigeria has been battling insurgents since 2009. The conflict has led to the deaths of more than 40,000 people in the region with more than two million persons displaced from their homes.