By Samuel Adeola
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded a major victory in Borno State, killing 16 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Boko Haram during a fierce gun battle in Damboa.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident occurred during a clearance operation, adding that further details would be released in due course.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed that the terrorists launched their attack around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade base.
A military source said, “The main thrust of the terrorists was the brigade location in Damboa, where they attacked en masse. However, the troops responded decisively with heavy firepower, leading to a significant number of enemy casualties.”
While 16 insurgents were neutralized, others fled with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, two soldiers lost their lives in the confrontation.
A terrorist-fired projectile triggered an explosion at a nearby ammunition store, destroying two adjacent buildings. Emergency response teams swiftly extinguished the resulting fire.
Troops have launched a manhunt for fleeing terrorists and are sustaining clearance operations across the area.
Despite persistent threats, Damboa remains under firm military control as troops continue to dominate the battlefield and frustrate insurgent advances.
