Nigerian Army Repels ISWAP Attack on Damboa, Neutralizes 16 Insurgents in Fierce Overnight Battle
In yet another demonstration of courage and resilience, the Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component Command, successfully repelled a large-scale and coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Damboa, a key town in southern Borno State. The daring confrontation occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, leading to the death of at least 16 insurgents and the unfortunate loss of two gallant Nigerian soldiers.
This latest operation is a significant milestone in Nigeria's ongoing war against terrorism, particularly in the North-East region where ISWAP and Boko Haram have continued to pose serious security challenges.
The Attack on Damboa: What Happened?
The assault by the terrorists reportedly began at approximately 1:00 a.m., catching residents and military personnel in Damboa by surprise. According to military sources, the terrorists launched a simultaneous attack from two strategic points: the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade location within the town.
It was a well-coordinated offensive, seemingly aimed at overwhelming Nigerian forces stationed in the area. ISWAP fighters, who are notorious for their guerrilla-style tactics and nighttime raids, stormed the town in large numbers under the cover of darkness, hoping to overrun military positions and seize control.
However, their plan was met with stiff resistance.
Fierce Firefight with Heavy Casualties for ISWAP
Nigerian troops, already on high alert due to recent intelligence reports suggesting heightened ISWAP activities in the region, responded swiftly and decisively. With support from the Air Component Command, ground troops unleashed heavy firepower on the advancing insurgents, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that lasted more than two hours.
A security source who spoke to prominent counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama gave insight into the nature of the confrontation.
"The main thrust of the terrorists was the brigade location in Damboa, where they attacked en masse. However, the troops responded decisively with heavy firepower, leading to a significant number of enemy casualties,” the source explained.
This decisive response led to the neutralization of at least 16 ISWAP fighters, whose bodies were recovered after the fighting subsided. Several other insurgents are believed to have escaped into the bush with serious gunshot wounds, suggesting the actual number of casualties may be much higher.
Tragically, two brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army lost their lives during the battle, underscoring the heavy price paid in the fight against terrorism.
Secondary Explosion at Ammunition Depot
While the troops were ultimately successful in defending Damboa, there were additional complications during the battle. One of the projectiles fired by the terrorists struck close to an ammunition storage facility, causing a significant explosion that triggered a fire outbreak.
According to military insiders, the explosion affected two nearby structures. Fortunately, fire response teams acted swiftly to contain the blaze before it could spread further or cause additional damage.
This incident highlights the high-risk environment in which our military operates and the constant threats posed not just by enemy fire, but also by indirect consequences of combat in active war zones.
Ongoing Pursuit and Clearance Operations
Following the successful defense of Damboa, Nigerian troops launched immediate pursuit operations to track and neutralize fleeing terrorists. These operations are still ongoing as of the time of this report, with troops combing through the surrounding areas using a combination of aerial surveillance, ground patrols, and intelligence gathering.
In addition, clearance operations are being carried out to ensure that the area is completely rid of any remaining ISWAP elements. These operations are vital not only to safeguard the town from another surprise attack but also to restore confidence among the local civilian population.
Why Damboa Is a Prime Target for ISWAP
The town of Damboa in southern Borno State has long been a strategic location in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency war. It lies at the crossroads of several key transit routes used by both civilians and security forces, making it a vital logistical hub.
This geographic importance has made Damboa a frequent target of ISWAP and Boko Haram militants, who seek to disrupt military operations and gain control of critical infrastructure to further their extremist agenda.
However, the Nigerian military has maintained a strong and continuous presence in the town to counter these threats. Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), regular patrols, and community engagement efforts have all played a role in ensuring that Damboa does not fall into the hands of terrorists.
Operation Hadin Kai: Stepping Up the Offensive
Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military’s flagship campaign in the North-East and has been at the forefront of the fight against insurgency for several years. The operation encompasses both ground and air assets and involves collaboration among various military branches, including the Army, Air Force, and intelligence units.
In recent months, Operation Hadin Kai has intensified its offensive against ISWAP and Boko Haram, recording major victories in Borno and Yobe States. The success in Damboa is just the latest in a string of tactical wins that underscore the effectiveness of the renewed military strategy under this operation.
According to defense analysts, the military's current approach combines preemptive strikes, targeted air raids, and community-based intelligence to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them safe havens.
Public Support and Civilian Cooperation Are Key
While the military continues to do the heavy lifting in terms of combat operations, the importance of civilian cooperation cannot be overstated. Locals have been instrumental in providing vital intelligence that has helped foil attacks and track down insurgents.
Communities in Damboa and other affected areas are increasingly collaborating with the military through Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF) and other community-led initiatives, proving that victory over insurgency requires both military might and grassroots support.
Conclusion: A Battle Won, But the War Continues
The repelling of the ISWAP attack on Damboa marks a significant victory for the Nigerian military and a step forward in the battle against terrorism in the North-East. With 16 terrorists neutralized, ongoing clearance operations, and sustained military vigilance, the message to insurgents is clear: Nigeria will not bow to terror.
As the security forces continue to pursue fleeing insurgents and dismantle terror cells, the people of Damboa — and Nigeria at large — can take pride in the bravery and sacrifice of the nation’s troops. The fight is far from over, but with each successful operation, the dream of a safe and secure Nigeria comes closer to reality.
