The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said at least 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed in a fierce battle at Sabon Gari Community, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Terrorists Killed in Attack on Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA of Borno State’ by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.

Buba disclosed that the terrorists, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to retaliate the recent killing of their commanders but were overwhelmed by joint air and ground forces.

“On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon 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 terrorists were taken unaware when troops’ fighting patrol, returning to base, foiled their planned attack as soon as the assault commenced. Additionally, a reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante, and hybrid forces arrived at the scene in time to overpower the terrorists,” the statement read.

According to the Defense spokesman, the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device, injuring the vigilante commander, adding that they arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorists.

Buba added that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.

He stated that battle damage assessments revealed that 34 terrorists were killed, with 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition recovered.

Troops eliminate 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno