The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists ambushed troops conducting stabilization operations in Gubio Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, resulting in a fierce gunfight.
In the aftermath of the attack, five soldiers were killed, 10 were wounded, and four were reported missing. However, over 30 terrorists were neutralized, and several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details in a statement, highlighting the recovery of weapons and the destruction of terrorist equipment. “The attack led to the destruction of one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator,” Buba said. A reinforcement team, supported by air assets, was deployed to pursue the fleeing attackers.
Sources revealed that the terrorists launched multiple attacks aimed at overrunning a special military force stationed in Kareto, a community in Gubio LGA. The first assault occurred on August 16 at 6:00 a.m., resulting in 18 soldiers killed and several others injured, while six insurgents were neutralized.
In a subsequent attack on Tuesday, five soldiers were killed, but over 30 terrorists were eliminated in follow-up engagements, with no further casualties on the military side.
The Special Forces, who had recently arrived in Kareto to facilitate the return of displaced villagers by constructing trenches, were preparing for this task when the insurgents launched their assault.
The Defence Headquarters continues to monitor the situation closely and is reinforcing efforts to combat terrorist threats in the region.
