At least 14 Boko Haram insurgents were killed early Friday when they launched an attack on a military post in Ngamdu, along the Damaturu–Maiduguri Road in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred around 2:30 a.m., was repelled by troops of Operation Hadin Kai after a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.
According to Lt-Col. Uba Sani, the army spokesperson for the operation, the terrorists suffered heavy losses, with reports indicating that 14 bodies were buried around Bula Wura, near Wasaram in the local government area.
However, four soldiers paid the supreme price, while five others were injured in the exchange.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade,” Mr Sani said.
He explained that the insurgents employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to target troops and military platforms.
Despite the intensity of the attack, the soldiers overpowered the insurgents.
“Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter,” he added.
Mr Sani further revealed that the terrorists attempted to block reinforcements and inflict more casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR).
“This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear three IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement,” he said.
He added that troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility.
Mr Sani commended the soldiers for their bravery and resilience, assuring the public that normalcy has been restored in the area.
The attack comes less than a week after insurgents displaced about 5,000 residents of communities in Kirawa, Gwoza Local Government Area.