Military foils Boko Haram ambush on Borno, 13 killed

Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an ambush by fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the Gubio–Damasak road in Borno State, killing thirteen insurgents during a fierce gun battle.

The confrontation took place on Wednesday near the town of Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area, as soldiers were providing escort for a convoy transporting humanitarian aid to Damasak.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the details of the encounter on Thursday via his official account on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the insurgents launched the ambush by triggering two improvised explosive devices and immediately opened fire on the convoy.

“The troops swiftly assumed combat positions and retaliated with decisive force, overwhelming the attackers. Thirteen insurgents were taken out at the scene, while the remaining assailants scattered and fled,” he wrote.

Following the initial clash, the troops launched a pursuit of the retreating gunmen and recovered a number of weapons and explosives from the scene. The haul included eight AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, several lengths of detonating cord, multiple primed improvised explosive devices, and a significant quantity of 7.62mm ammunition.

Although the convoy sustained damage during the assault, with four armoured vehicle tyres destroyed and two trucks set ablaze, only one soldier sustained injuries. He is currently receiving medical care and is reported to be in stable condition.

Makama noted that the escort mission was ultimately successful, with the humanitarian supplies safely delivered to Damasak as planned.