24th May, 2025
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have once again proven their resilience as they repelled a coordinated night attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 16 insurgents in the process.
The fierce gun battle, which erupted around 11 p.m. on Thursday, saw the terrorists attempting to overrun a military base using multiple Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). But the soldiers, under the leadership of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, held their ground and dealt a decisive blow to the attackers.
According to a resident who witnessed the incident but asked not to be named, “We heard heavy explosions and gunfire throughout the night, but the soldiers stood firm. Their response was immediate and brave.”
Air support was quickly mobilised to reinforce ground troops, leading to over two hours of intense exchange of fire. The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the bush, many with gunshot wounds, as troops continued to pursue them.
A military source confirmed that although an ammunition storage facility was briefly affected during the attack, the fire was brought under control without any civilian casualties.
“The swift response and coordination between air and ground forces saved the situation,” the source said. “The terrorists didn’t expect such a strong pushback.”
The latest encounter highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to secure communities in the northeast and dismantle terrorist networks in the region.
