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Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Air Component Command, have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Damboa town in Borno State. The confrontation, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, resulted in the death of 16 insurgents.
The attack began at approximately 1:00 a.m., when ISWAP fighters launched simultaneous assaults on the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade location in Damboa. Nigerian forces responded swiftly, engaging the terrorists in an intense firefight that lasted over two hours.
“The main thrust of the terrorists was directed at the brigade headquarters in Damboa, where they attacked in large numbers,” a military source told security analyst Zagazola Makama. “However, our troops responded with overwhelming firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.”
Following the battle, 16 bodies of the insurgents were recovered, with several others believed to have fled with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.
Sources also confirmed that one of the terrorists’ projectiles struck an ammunition storage facility, causing a fire that damaged two structures. The fire was quickly brought under control, preventing further damage.
Pursuit operations are currently underway to track down fleeing militants, while clearance operations continue in the surrounding areas.
Damboa, situated in southern Borno, has long been a strategic target for ISWAP due to its location. However, the Nigerian military continues to maintain a stronghold in the area to prevent it from falling into insurgent hands.
Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian military’s flagship counterterrorism initiative in the North-East, has intensified its offensive efforts in recent weeks. The operation has recorded significant successes against ISWAP and Boko Haram elements across Borno and Yobe states.
