By Our Reporter
On Wednesday, the military provided details of the recent attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Sabon Gari area of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. The attack, carried out by terrorists, resulted in the deaths of six soldiers and the elimination of 34 attackers who sought to retaliate for the death of their commander and combatants.
The assault took place on Saturday around 4 p.m., when a large number of Boko Haram terrorists attacked the base. While the full casualty count remained unclear, the military search teams continued recovering bodies, with many of them being identified as terrorists.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that the terrorists were neutralized through airstrikes by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI. The air interdiction played a key role in thwarting the attackers.
Buba explained that the terrorists, mounted on motorcycles and gun trucks, initially tried to surprise the troops and retaliate for the deaths of their leaders, but were caught off guard by a returning patrol. Troop reinforcements, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, quickly arrived, overpowering the attackers despite encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that injured the Vigilante Commander.
During the battle, 34 terrorists were killed, 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Unfortunately, six soldiers lost their lives in the engagement.
The military urged the media and the public to refrain from disclosing the names of the fallen soldiers to allow for proper administrative procedures and notification of their next of kin.