Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Damboa, Borno State, killing 16 insurgents during a heavy gunfight.
Security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the incident in a report released Thursday. According to him, the assault took place in the early hours of May 23, 2025, with the terrorists targeting the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade base in Damboa.
The soldiers, backed by artillery and airstrikes from the Air Component Command, engaged the insurgents in a fierce two-hour battle.
“The terrorists launched a major attack on the brigade base in Damboa, advancing in large numbers. Troops responded with overwhelming firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers,” a security source stated.
Following the clash, troops recovered at least 16 bodies of the terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Sadly, two Nigerian soldiers were killed during the operation.
Makama also noted that the situation was quickly brought under control and that mop-up operations were ongoing.
“Pursuit efforts are underway to track down fleeing fighters, while clearance operations are being carried out in surrounding areas,” he said.
Damboa, situated in southern Borno, has long been a key target for ISWAP due to its strategic importance. The Nigerian military continues to maintain a stronghold in the region to prevent any further incursions by insurgents.
