Damboa, Borno State | May 23, 2025
Credit: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component of the operation, have successfully repelled a coordinated midnight attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Damboa town, killing 16 insurgents during a fierce two-hour firefight.
The attack, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. Thursday, targeted both the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade headquarters in Damboa, according to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the details via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Located in the southern part of Borno State, Damboa remains a strategic stronghold and has been a repeated target of ISWAP incursions.
Makama, citing intelligence sources, stated that Nigerian troops responded with overwhelming firepower, aided by air interdictions and indirect fire support, leading to the neutralization of 16 terrorists. Several other insurgents reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
“The terrorists launched a massive assault on the brigade location, but our forces responded swiftly and decisively,” a military source was quoted as saying.
“After the exchange, 16 ISWAP fighters were confirmed dead, while others escaped with injuries.”
Tragically, two Nigerian soldiers were killed in action during the encounter.
Makama also revealed that a projectile fired by the terrorists caused a minor explosion at an ammunition depot, affecting two buildings. However, the resulting fire was swiftly extinguished by emergency response teams.
He further noted that clearance operations are ongoing in the surrounding areas, with troops pursuing fleeing insurgents to prevent regrouping and future attacks.
