A fierce battle erupted over the weekend between troops of Operation Hadin Kai and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The confrontation, triggered by an ambush from the insurgents, led to a two-hour exchange of gunfire. Reports indicate that the terrorists sustained heavy losses following targeted airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), a critical component of Operation Hadin Kai.
The NAF’s precision airstrikes were conducted on ISWAP strongholds in the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious region in Borno State with challenging terrain and strategic importance to insurgent groups. These strikes reportedly dismantled several ISWAP positions, significantly impairing their operational capabilities.
Additional airstrikes targeted Boko Haram factions loyal to Commander Ali Ngulde in the Gwoza axis of the Mandara Mountain range. This offensive aims to destabilize terrorist networks and diminish their influence in the region.
Defence Headquarters spokesman Major General Edward Buba confirmed the incident but withheld casualty figures. “It is confirmed that troops suffered setbacks in operations in the area. An inquiry has been set up to confirm the details of what transpired, after which I will provide the details in due course,” Buba stated.
This latest operation underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to counter insurgent activities and restore stability in the northeast.
