The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of six Nigerian soldiers by members of ISWAP/BHT terrorist groups during an encounter at Sabon Gari Village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Wednesday, said the encounter took place on Jan. 4, when unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorist riding on motor cycles and Gun trucks engaged the troops.
Mr Buba said the terrorist had attempted to surprise the troops to retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by the troops.
According to him, the terrorist were taken unawares, when the troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
“Additionally, troops` reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though troops` reinforcement team encountered Improvise Explosive Device, injuring the Vigilante Commander.
“The reinforcement team arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorist,” he said.
Mr Buba said the air component also conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists with several terrorists eliminated and weapons recovered.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered.
“Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions,” he added.
Mr Buba said that six personnel, whose names are yet to be disclosed, were killed in action.
He said that withholding their names was to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin.
“On the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
“Accordingly, troops remain committed to the course of defeating with the terrorists,” he said.
NAN
