Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Damboa, Neutralize 16 Terrorists

In a surgical operation against insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Damboa town, resulting in the death of 16 terrorists.

The attack occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, when ISWAP fighters attempted to infiltrate Damboa through the Azir Bridge axis and targeted the 25 Task Force Brigade base.

The Nigerian Army, supported by aerial strikes, engaged the insurgents in a fierce two-hour battle, ultimately thwarting the assault.

According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official Twitter handle, the troops responded with “superior firepower and tactical coordination,” forcing the terrorists to retreat and leaving 16 of them neutralized.

Damboa, located in southern Borno State, is a strategic town that has seen repeated attacks due to its position along key supply and transit routes.

Thursday’s failed offensive highlights the continued threat posed by ISWAP elements in the region, even as the military intensifies operations to stabilize the northeast.

This latest success adds to a series of recent victories by Operation Hadin Kai, which has been at the forefront of counterinsurgency efforts in Borno and surrounding states.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and ensuring the safety of civilian populations in liberated areas.

The Army encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, assuring the public that efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the region are ongoing and yielding results.