Borno Battle: 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists Neutralized in Fierce Clash

On Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that at least 34 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were killed in a brutal confrontation in the Sabon Gari community, located in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.

According to Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the terrorists, who had mounted a retaliatory strike on the troops in the region, were swiftly overpowered by a well-coordinated attack from both air and ground forces.

The terrorists, traveling on motorcycles and gun trucks, launched an assault on January 4, 2025, in a bid to avenge the recent deaths of their commanders. However, they were caught off guard when the troops’ fighting patrol, returning to base, immediately thwarted their surprise attack. As the firefight intensified, a rapid-response reinforcement team, including members of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes, and hybrid forces, arrived and decisively eliminated the terrorists.

Although the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device, which injured their vigilante commander, their timely arrival was instrumental in decimating the remaining terrorists. In addition to the ground forces’ success, air support from Operation Hadin Kai struck the fleeing terrorists, ensuring their retreat was blocked.

After the operation, the battle damage assessment confirmed the deaths of 34 terrorists, the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles, and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition