Six Soldiers Killed In ISWAP Raid On Borno Base – DHQ Confirms

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of six soldiers during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a military base in Sabon Gari, located in the Damboa district of Borno State.

Naijaonpoint reported that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, involved insurgents arriving in trucks and motorcycles, setting fire to the base and army vehicles during the raid.

According to military sources, the soldiers engaged the attackers in an intense firefight before reinforcements arrived.

“We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” AFP quoted one of the officers.

In its official statement released on Wednesday, the DHQ reported that 34 ISWAP fighters were killed in retaliation, and 23 AK-47 rifles, along with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, were recovered.

However, the attack resulted in the deaths of six personnel, whose names are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

The statement said “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 terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against 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, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time 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 were 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 to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”

The DHQ reassured Nigerians that the military remains resolute in its mission to defeat terrorism and insurgency across the nation.

It expressed profound awareness of its responsibility and reiterated its commitment to ending the menace posed by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.