Key Points

• Nigerian troops killed 17 insurgents in Borno twin attacks.

• Civilian Joint Task Force lost three members in fierce battle.

• Twin raids were likely retaliation for army airstrikes on camps.

Nigerian Army troops have successfully repelled two coordinated midnight attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno State, killing at least 17 insurgents.

The deadly confrontations occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning in Gajibo and Damboa, two flashpoint towns frequently targeted by jihadists.

In Gajibo, located in Ngala Local Government Area, insurgents attempted to breach military defenses around 11:30 p.m.

Reinforcements arrived swiftly from Dikwa, and the troops dislodged the attackers. One insurgent was confirmed killed while others fled with gunshot wounds.

However, the battle claimed the lives of two Civilian Joint Task Force members and a local vigilante, who were hailed for their bravery during the clash.

Army airstrike in Damboa thwarts second Boko Haram ambush

Just hours later at 2:30 a.m., Damboa came under a second attack as insurgents launched an RPG assault that damaged part of a military outpost.

The Nigerian military responded forcefully with ground troops and aerial reinforcements. A fighter jet reportedly joined the counterattack, leading to the death of 16 insurgents.

Sources said several other fighters fled into nearby forest areas with injuries. The army believes the raids may be reprisal attempts after recent bombardments on insurgent enclaves in the Sàmbisa forest, where multiple camps were overrun.

Governor Zulum seeks action as Borno Boko Haram attacks persist

Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited affected communities including Rann, Dikwa, Marte, and Wulgo, described the attacks as a major disruption to IDP resettlement efforts in the state. “We need decisive action and hardware procurement now,” he urged.

The resurgence has raised concerns over the insurgents’ growing technological edge, reportedly using drones to monitor military movements.

Zulum emphasized strengthening Nigeria’s military apparatus instead of relying solely on new structures like state police.

Since 2009, Borno has borne the brunt of the Boko Haram insurgency, with thousands killed and millions displaced. The latest twin attacks underline the ongoing challenge facing Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.