5 Soldiers and Over 30 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram Attack

5 Soldiers and Over 30 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Troops in Borno

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed a surprise assault by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Nigerian troops conducting stabilisation operations in Gubio Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. The attack, which resulted in casualties on both sides, underscores the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.

According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, five soldiers lost their lives, ten were injured, and four remain unaccounted for. Despite the losses, the troops successfully eliminated over 30 terrorists and recovered weapons during the confrontation.

“The attack led to the destruction of equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator,” Buba noted in a statement. He added that a reinforcement team, supported by an air component, was immediately deployed to pursue the attackers.

A military source disclosed that the insurgents launched multiple assaults targeting a special military unit stationed in Kareto, a community within Gubio LGA. The first attack occurred on August 16 at 6:00 AM, claiming the lives of 18 soldiers and injuring several others, with six insurgents neutralized in that engagement. A subsequent attack resulted in the deaths of five additional soldiers. However, the special forces retaliated, killing over 30 terrorists without further casualties on their side.

The special military force had recently arrived in Kareto to prepare the area for the return of displaced villagers by constructing defensive trenches. The insurgents launched their attacks in an apparent attempt to disrupt these efforts.

These incidents are part of a broader surge in violence in the Lake Chad region, where insurgents have escalated their activities despite recent successes by the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Last month, 40 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base, prompting Chadian President Mahamat Déby Itno to lead an operation that neutralized many insurgents and forced their remnants to retreat into Niger Republic.

The Borno State Government has expressed deep condolences to the military and the families of the fallen soldiers. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, the government described the incident as a tragic reminder of the cruelty of Boko Haram terrorists.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Borno, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the armed forces and families of the deceased over the demise of our fellow compatriots. May Allah rest their souls and grant fortitude to the affected families,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its unwavering support for the armed forces and pledged to continue backing efforts to eradicate insurgency in the region. These attacks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria’s military as it seeks to restore stability in the northeast.