Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have thwarted what would have been a deadliest attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, neutralising over 21 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Theatre Command Operation, Hadin Kai, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya in a statement issued Saturday said the failed attempt occurred in the wake of Friday, 23 May 2025, when the terrorists targeted troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa in Borno State.
He revealed that the 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.
Kovangiya noted that despite the terrorists’ ferocity, the troops maintained their alertness and composure, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray after suffering significant casualties.
He noted: “Significantly, over 21 bodies of the neutralised insurgents were identified after the gun duel.
“Regrettably, the ammunition storage facility was hit by a blast during the attack, however, it was firmly brought under control by the military. The troops also recorded minor casualties.”
Kovangiya stressed that after the mop-up and exploitation operation, the troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, one Pump Action Rifle.
Others are: 9 AK47 Rifles, three PKT rounds belts, eight AK 47 Magazines, seven RPG Bombs, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99 ammunition, one and a half boxes of PKT rounds and 20 pieces of 36 hand grenades.