ISWAP militants ambush and kill five Nigerian soldiers in Borno State. The military retaliates with targeted airstrikes, neutralising several insurgents.
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ive soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been killed in an ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Borno State, northern Nigeria.
The attack, which occurred on January 4, 2025, near Sabon Gari in the Damboa Local Government Area, sparked a fierce two-hour firefight.
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The soldiers were tragically killed, and several pieces of military equipment were destroyed in the attack.
The ambush is part of the ongoing insurgency in the Lake Chad region, where ISWAP and Boko Haram factions continue to target military and civilian structures.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency-focused publication, the Nigerian Air Force swiftly responded with airstrikes against ISWAP positions.
The strikes targeted the Timbuktu Triangle, a strategic area in Borno State, known for its rugged terrain and significance to the insurgents.
The airstrikes, conducted as part of Operation Hadin Kai, reportedly dismantled several ISWAP strongholds and neutralised a significant number of terrorists.
Additionally, airstrikes were extended to the Gwoza axis of the Mandara mountain range, targeting Boko Haram insurgents loyal to a notorious commander, Ali Ngulde.
These military actions are part of the Nigerian government’s broader efforts to weaken the insurgent forces and reclaim territory in the region.
Intelligence sources confirm that the precision airstrikes have disrupted the insurgents’ operational capabilities, further escalating the ongoing battle for control of the northeast.
While the deaths of the soldiers in Borno are a significant loss, the Nigerian military continues to adapt its tactics in response to the growing insurgency, with air support playing a crucial role in counterterrorism efforts.
Source: Read more at channelstv.com
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
