Paragraph 1: The Clash and Initial Response
In the early hours of Friday, a fierce confrontation unfolded in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, between troops of Operation Hadin Kai and a group of ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists. Around 1:00 a.m., the terrorists were detected maneuvering in the vicinity, their apparent objective being an assault on a nearby military brigade. Reacting swiftly to the imminent threat, ground troops engaged the insurgents with sustained indirect fire, aiming to disrupt their advance and inflict initial casualties. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the military command immediately deployed air support to bolster the ground forces and provide a decisive advantage in the ensuing battle. The arrival of air assets marked a turning point in the engagement, signaling a determined effort to repel the terrorist attack and protect the targeted brigade.
Paragraph 2: The Combined Assault and Enemy Retreat
The combined firepower of ground troops and air support created a formidable offensive against the ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters. For approximately two hours, the battle raged intensely, with the Nigerian forces unleashing a relentless barrage against the enemy positions. The sustained assault overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicting significant casualties and disrupting their planned attack. Under the weight of this combined offensive, the insurgents were forced to abandon their assault and retreat in disarray, seeking to escape the overwhelming firepower. This successful repelling of the terrorist attack demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated ground and air operations in countering such threats.
Paragraph 3: Assessing the Aftermath and Pursuing the Enemy
In the aftermath of the two-hour engagement, the Nigerian Army conducted a preliminary assessment of the battlefield. Their count revealed that at least 16 terrorists had been neutralized during the intense fighting. This signified a substantial blow to the enemy’s forces and a victory for the Nigerian troops. However, recognizing that some insurgents had likely escaped during the retreat, the military immediately launched a pursuit operation. This follow-up action aimed to track down and neutralize any remaining terrorists, preventing them from regrouping or launching further attacks. The pursuit underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army to thoroughly eliminating the terrorist threat and ensuring the safety of the region.
Paragraph 4: Collateral Damage and Containment
During the exchange of fire, an ammunition storage area within the military base was hit. This incident posed a significant risk, as an explosion or uncontrolled fire could have had devastating consequences. However, the military personnel responded swiftly and effectively, bringing the situation under control and preventing any further escalation. Their prompt action averted a potentially disastrous outcome and demonstrated the preparedness and professionalism of the troops in managing such incidents. The containment of the ammunition storage incident ensured that the overall operation remained successful and minimized further risks.
Paragraph 5: Reaffirming Commitment and Seeking Lasting Peace
Following the successful operation in Damboa, the Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to continuing offensive operations against all terrorist elements operating in the North East region. This declaration underscores their resolve to maintain pressure on ISWAP/Boko Haram and other groups, denying them safe havens and disrupting their activities. The ultimate goal of these sustained operations is to restore lasting peace and stability to the region, allowing communities to rebuild and recover from the years of conflict. The army’s commitment reflects the broader national objective of defeating terrorism and creating a secure environment for all citizens.
Paragraph 6: News Dissemination and Copyright Notice
News of the successful operation was disseminated through the Nigerian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, providing timely updates to the public. This proactive communication serves to inform the citizenry of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security. Accompanying the news report was a standard copyright notice, reminding readers and other media outlets of the legal restrictions on reproducing or redistributing the content without prior written permission from PUNCH, the original publisher of the news. This notice protects the intellectual property rights of the news organization and ensures that the information is used responsibly and ethically.
