In the early hours of Friday, May 23, 2025, Nigerian soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai confronted insurgents linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram in Damboa, Borno State.
The militants were detected around 1 a.m., prompting the troops to launch a sustained indirect assault on their position.
The assailants reportedly directed their offensive toward a military brigade, which led to the immediate call for aerial reinforcements.
According to military sources, the clash lasted nearly two hours, after which the terrorists withdrew, leaving behind several casualties.
“Sixteen of the insurgents were taken out during the engagement,” said a military officer familiar with the operation.
“He added that the army has since launched a pursuit mission to track down the fleeing fighters.
During the confrontation, an ammunition depot was struck but quickly secured by troops, preventing any further danger or spread of the fire.