In a swift and coordinated response, troops of Operation HADIN KAI early Thursday morning neutralized 16 terrorists during a fierce encounter with fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram in Damboa, Borno State.
The confrontation began around 1:00 a.m. on May 23, 2025, when troops sighted a group of insurgents approaching the area. They immediately launched sustained indirect fire on the terrorists, who had targeted the brigade’s location in the area.
Following the initial engagement, air support was swiftly deployed to reinforce ground troops. After nearly two hours of intense combat, the terrorists were forced to retreat, leaving multiple casualties behind.
In total, 16 terrorists were confirmed neutralized, while a pursuit operation is currently underway to track down fleeing elements.
During the firefight, an army ammunition storage facility was struck, but the situation was quickly contained with no further damage reported.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring continued security in the Northeast region.
