The Defence headquarters on Wednesday disclosed that following a large-scale attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Sabon Gari Community in Damboa LGA, Borno, joint air and ground forces neutralized over 34 terrorists during firefights.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made this known, disclosed, however, that 6 soldiers were killed in action during the encounter.

The Statement titled, “Terrorists Killed in Attack on Sabin Gari in Damboa LGA of Borno State” said the terrorists in gun trucks and motorcycles attempted to retaliate the recent killing of their commanders.

It reads, “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabin Gari Village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight.

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

“The terrorist was 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 Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well and 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.