Troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully thwarted a significant assault by ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Borno, neutralising 21 insurgents and seizing a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the acting deputy director of army public relations at Headquarters Theatre Command, confirmed the operation in a statement released in Maiduguri on Friday.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, specifically targeting the troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade.
In a fierce and extended firefight lasting over two hours, the soldiers, supported by the Air Component of OPHK, engaged the terrorists.
Kovangiya noted that the troops exhibited remarkable bravery and tactical superiority, compelling the terrorists to retreat in chaos, leaving behind over 21 of their fighters neutralised in the skirmish.
“The courageous troops, backed by Close Air Support, maintained their position and repelled the attack despite the enemy’s ferocity. The insurgents suffered significant losses and were forced to flee,” he stated.
The spokesman reported that during the exchange of fire, an ammunition storage facility within the military formation was struck by an explosion, but the situation was promptly managed.
He also confirmed that the troops sustained minor casualties.
“Following the mop-up and exploitation operation, the following weapons and ammunition were recovered: two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, one pump-action rifle, nine AK-47 rifles, three belts of PKT rounds, eight AK-47 magazines, seven RPG bombs, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99mm ammunition, one and a half boxes of PKT rounds, and 20 hand grenades,” Kovangiya detailed.
The spokesman asserted that the success of this operation exemplifies the effectiveness of combined land and air efforts in counterterrorism operations, further reaffirming the Nigerian military’s commitment to restoring peace in the North-east.
“The bravery and sacrifice of the troops stand as a symbol of national pride. Their steadfast determination to defeat insurgency and restore peace in the region is commendable,” he added.
(NAN)
