In a coordinated military operation in the early hours of Friday, troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully eliminated 16 suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that the terrorists were detected around 1 a.m. and were met with a barrage of sustained indirect fire.
“The terrorists attempted to launch an assault targeting our Brigade. However, immediate ground response was reinforced by precision air strikes,” the Army stated.
According to the military, the intense joint offensive from both land and air units forced the insurgents to retreat after nearly two hours of battle.
“Sixteen terrorists were neutralised in the operation,” the statement added. “Troops are currently conducting a pursuit to apprehend fleeing elements.”
The Army also revealed that an ammunition depot was hit during the firefight but was swiftly contained to prevent further escalation.
Reiterating its resolve, the Nigerian Army emphasized its ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism in the North-East. “We remain committed to dismantling all terrorist networks and restoring sustainable peace to the region,” the statement concluded.
The operation comes amid renewed concerns over insurgent threats and calls from political leaders for increased security interventions in the region.