21 terrorists neutralised in Damboa again — Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a deadly attack by ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Borno, neutralising 21 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.

Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, confirmed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday.

It was reported that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, targeted troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade.

It was however, reported that the soldiers, with the support of the Air Component of OPHK, engaged the terrorists in a fierce and prolonged firefight that lasted over two hours.

Kovangiya said the troops displayed gallantry and tactical superiority during the confrontation, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray, leaving behind more than 21 of their fighters who were neutralised during the engagement.

“The gallant troops, supported by Close Air Support, stood their ground and repelled the attack despite the ferocity of the enemy.

“The insurgents suffered devastating losses and were forced to flee,” he said.

The spokesman said that during the exchange of fire, an ammunition storage facility within the military formation was hit by a blast, but the situation was quickly brought under control.

He also confirmed that the troops recorded minor casualties.

“Following the mop-up and exploitation operation, the following weapons and ammunition were recovered:

“Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, one pump-action rifle, nine AK-47 rifles, three belts of PKT rounds, eight AK-47 magazines, seven RPG bombs, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99mm ammunition, one and a half box of PKT rounds and 20 pieces of 36 hand grenades,” Kovangiya said.

The spokesman said that the success of the operation was a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of joint land and air efforts in counterterrorism operations which further reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s resolve to restore peace in the North-east.

“The bravery and sacrifice of the troops remain a symbol of national pride.

“Their unwavering commitment to defeating insurgency and restoring peace in the region is commendable,” he said.