Borno: Troops Neutralize Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists Following Deadly Attack
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) supported by the Air Component, have successfully neutralized over 30 ISWAP terrorists following a bloody attack on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state.
Security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this today, saying that the attack occured on Friday night when the terrorists stormed the remote community, unleashing violence that claimed the lives of several villagers.
Witnesses told Makama that the attackers invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among residents who fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Troops immediately mobilised after receiving distress calls from the area and responded swiftly to neutralise the perpetrators.
Makama noted that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircrafts were deployed and tracked the terrorists as they attempted to flee northwards from Darajamal after the attack. The aircrew confirmed the presence of friendly forces in the area before engaging the fleeing terrorists with successive airstrikes.
“Over 30 of the insurgents were neutralised in the strikes, while ground reinforcements secured the community shortly after the bombardment,” the source told Makama, even as more terrorists fatalities are still being counted.
It was gathered that the coordinated air and ground operation prevented the insurgents from regrouping, forcing survivors of the attack to retreat deeper into the Sambisa forest.
Security sources confirmed that calm had been restored to Darajamal, and that search operations were ongoing in nearby villages to reassure displaced residents and forestall any reprisal attacks.
Meanwhile, humanitarian workers have expressed concern over the plight of survivors who lost loved ones and properties in the initial assault before troops intervened.
Aid groups say immediate relief, including food, medical support, and psychosocial care, will be critical for the affected community.
Governor Babagana Zulum and the Military High Command are expected to visit Darajamal to access the current situation.
