By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Nigeria military has successfully repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists on Sabon Gari village in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
Suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, armed with motorcycles and gun trucks, launched an attack on military troops stationed in Sabon Gari.
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba to newsmen on Wednesday it was revealed that the terrorists attempted to ambush the troops in retaliation for the recent elimination of their commander and fighters by military forces.
General Buba stated that, the terrorists were taken unaware, when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
Additionally, the troops reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device, resulting in injuries to the Vigilante Commander. Despite this, the team arrived promptly and successfully neutralized the fleeing terrorists.
He added that, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
General Buba said, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 rifles were seized, troops recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Sadly, six military personnel lost their lives during the operation. The names of the fallen personnel are being withheld pending the conclusion of administrative procedures to notify their next of kin” he said.
He emphasized that, the Armed Forces of Nigeria are deeply aware of their role and responsibility in eliminating insurgency and terrorism within the nation, Consequently, the troops remain steadfastly committed to the mission of defeating the terrorists.
