By Attah Ede
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja, on Wednesday confirmed the death of six soldiers during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
The military also said that over 34 terrorists were killed by Nigerian troops, who also recovered 23 AK 47 weapons and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation.
This was disclosed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Wednesday.
General Buba explained that the six soldiers were said to have lost their lives when the terrorists riding on motorcyclists and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight.
He said the names of the deceased soldiers are withheld to allow the administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin be concluded and urged the media to respect the process.
Parts of the statement read: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motor cycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorist 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 Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorist.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. 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 with 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.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
He added that the Army remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
