The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of six Nigerian soldiers and 34 terrorists in a fierce battle in Borno State. The clash occurred during an attempted ambush by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military troops in the region.
According to the DHQ, the incident took place near Mafa Local Government Area. The troops, conducting routine operations in the area, encountered the ISWAP insurgents who attempted to block their movement. In the ensuing firefight, the military successfully neutralized 34 of the attackers and recovered significant weapons and ammunition.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, disclosed that the soldiers fought valiantly to repel the attack but unfortunately lost six personnel in the process. He emphasized the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and assured the public that the operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram will continue unabated.
The military also recovered several rifles, ammunition, and explosives left behind by the fleeing terrorists. Preliminary investigations suggest that the ambush was part of a larger plan by ISWAP to destabilize ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The clash highlights the persistent security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where the military has been engaged in a prolonged battle against insurgency for over a decade. Despite notable successes, sporadic attacks by ISWAP and Boko Haram elements continue to pose significant threats to stability in the region.
The DHQ extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a testament to their dedication to defending Nigeria. The military also urged communities in the area to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing intelligence that could prevent future attacks.