Boko Haram Attack on Borno Troops Results in 5 Soldiers, 30 Terrorists Killed

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed a surprise attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP militants targeting soldiers involved in stabilisation operations in Gubio Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the assault resulted in five soldiers being killed, ten others injured, and four reported missing. However, the military successfully eliminated several militants and seized weapons during the engagement. The attack caused significant damage, including the destruction of a gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator. A reinforcements team, supported by air assets, was quickly dispatched to pursue the attackers.

A military source informed Daily Trust that the insurgents launched multiple waves of assault, attempting to overpower a special military force stationed at the Kareto community within Gubio LGA.

The first attack occurred on August 16 at 6:00 AM, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers, several others wounded, and the neutralisation of six militants. On the following day, another attack saw the deaths of five more soldiers, but over 30 terrorists were killed in subsequent clashes, with no further casualties on the military’s side.

These recent incidents are part of a renewed wave of violence in the Lake Chad region, where insurgent groups have continued their assaults despite the efforts of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). In a significant attack last month, 40 soldiers were killed, which prompted an operation led by Chadian President Mahamat Déby Itno that eliminated numerous terrorists and forced the remaining fighters to retreat into Niger Republic.

The Borno State Government has extended its condolences to the military following the tragic loss of soldiers in the Boko Haram attack at Kareto, Gubio LGA. In a statement, Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, expressed the government’s sorrow, calling the attack a harsh reminder of the brutality of Boko Haram militants.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Borno, I offer our deepest condolences to the armed forces and the families of the fallen soldiers. May Allah grant them peace and provide strength to their grieving families,” the statement read. The government reiterated its full support for the armed forces and its commitment to ending the insurgency in the region.