By Victor Akaa.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a potentially deadly attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, eliminating over 21 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
According to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, “The failed attempt occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025, when the terrorists targeted troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa in Borno State.
“The gallant troops, bolstered by Close Air Support provided by the Air Component, engaged the terrorists in a fierce and sustained firefight that lasted over two hours.” He stated.
Despite the terrorists’ ferocity, the troops maintained their alertness and composure, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray after suffering significant casualties.
The statement further explained that after a mop-up and exploitation operation, troops identified over 21 bodies of the eliminated insurgents after the gun duel.
Troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, one Pump Action Rifle and nine AK47 Rifles.
Others were three PKT rounds belts, eight AK47 Magazines, seven RPG Bomb, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99 ammunition, one and a half box of PKT rounds and 20 pieces of 36 hand grenades.
The statement regrettably confirmed that, the military ammunition storage facility was hit by a blast during the attack, but it was firmly brought under control by the military. The troops also recorded minor casualties.
The statement also reiterated that the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the North East region remains unshaken.
It noted that the coordinated integration between the land forces and air component of Operation HADIN KAI underscores the collaborative and renewed drive of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to jointly defeat terrorism and insurgency.
