Defence Headquarters Confirms ISWAP Attack On Nigerian Military Base, Deaths Of Six Soldiers

Six Nigerian soldiers were killed in a pre-dawn attack on their base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja has confirmed. 

The insurgents launched the assault on Sunday, arriving in gun trucks and on motorcycles. 

“We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” a source had said. 

The attackers set fire to the base and destroyed army vehicles before being countered.

Fighter jets were deployed from Maiduguri and struck the fleeing insurgents. 

In an update on Wednesday, the DHQ confirmed that 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK-47 rifles recovered. 

 

It stated, “Troops also recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action.”

 

The DHQ said the insurgents sought to retaliate for the recent killing of their commander. 

 

It noted that reinforcements, including hybrid forces, successfully overpowered the attackers. 

The Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to ending insurgency, urging media to respect protocols in notifying families of fallen soldiers.

 

Since 2009, insurgency in northern Nigeria has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions.

SAHARA REPORTERS