The Nigerian military has provided further details on the attack involving terrorists and personnel stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Sabon Gari area of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The military confirmed that 6 soldiers lost their lives during the encounter, while 34 terrorists were killed.
The terrorists had attempted to launch a surprise attack and retaliate for the recent killing of their commander and fighters.
The attack, which took place around 4pm on Saturday, was initially unclear in terms of casualties.
However, by Tuesday morning, the military had recovered more bodies, mostly belonging to the terrorists.
Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the terrorists were neutralized by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI, which conducted airstrikes on the fleeing militants.
He added that several weapons were recovered during the operation.
On January 4, 2025, a large number of terrorists riding motorcycles and gun trucks attacked the troops in Sabon Gari.
The attack was foiled when troops returning from a patrol engaged the militants, surprising them.
The timely arrival of reinforcement teams, which included the Civilian Joint Taskforce and vigilantes, helped overpower the terrorists.
Though the reinforcement team encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), injuring the Vigilante Commander, they successfully decimated the fleeing terrorists.
The airstrikes further supported the operation, leading to the elimination of several terrorists.
In total, 34 terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 rifles, along with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, were recovered.
Sadly, 6 military personnel were killed during the operation.
The military has asked media organizations and Nigerians to refrain from disclosing the names of the killed soldiers to allow for proper notification of their next of kin.
