The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of six soldiers following an attack by the Islamic State/Boko Haram group on a military base in Borno State.
Channels Television published reports of the incident on Monday.
According to the report, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stormed the base in Sabon Gari, located in the Damboa district of Borno State, using trucks and motorcycles.
The insurgents reportedly set fire to the base along with army vehicles. “We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” AFP quoted one of the officers.
Fighter jets were reportedly deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, and struck the attackers as they retreated.
In an update statement on Wednesday, the DHQ said although on the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered, six of its personnel were killed in action.
The DHQ also said its troops recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The statement said “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.
“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”
The Armed Forces have emphasized their unwavering commitment to eradicating insurgency and terrorism in the country, reaffirming their awareness of their responsibility in this fight.
They stated that troops remain resolute in their mission to defeat terrorist groups.
Northern Nigeria has faced persistent violence since 2009 from jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), alongside armed criminal factions.
The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people in the northeast.
In November, five Nigerian troops were killed, and 10 others injured during an ISWAP attack on a base in Kareto village, near the Niger border.