TROOPS of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Damboa in Borno State, eliminating 16 terrorists in a fierce overnight clash.
According to reports from counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the terrorists launched the assault at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting both the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade base in Damboa.
Sources said the troops, with support from indirect fire and precise airstrikes by the Air Component Command, engaged the insurgents in a prolonged gunfight lasting over two hours.
“The terrorists concentrated their attack on the brigade headquarters in Damboa but were met with overwhelming firepower.
Sixteen terrorists were confirmed dead, and several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” a military source revealed.
Sadly, two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation.
The fighting also triggered an explosion from one of the terrorists’ projectiles, which caused a fire at an ammunition depot, damaging two structures.
However, the fire was quickly contained, preventing further damage.
Search and clearance operations are ongoing to pursue fleeing insurgents and secure surrounding areas.
Damboa, a strategic town in southern Borno, has been a repeated target of ISWAP due to its location.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian military has continued to maintain a stronghold in the region.
Operation Hadin Kai has ramped up its counterterrorism efforts in recent weeks, achieving notable successes against both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions in Borno and Yobe states.
