Troops crush Boko Haram ambush in Borno, kill 13 insurgents

Nigerian troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a major Boko Haram ambush in Borno State, killing 13 terrorists and recovering weapons after a fierce firefight.

The clash occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, near Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area, while soldiers were escorting humanitarian aid trucks along the Gubio–Damasak road.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents launched the attack with explosives and heavy gunfire.

“The terrorists during the failed operation, detonated two command IEDs, followed with high volume of fire. However, the gallant troops, swiftly took position and professionally suppressed the insurgents with overwhelming fire power, eliminating 13 insurgents instantly, while others scampered in disarray,” the officer explained.

The troops pursued the fleeing fighters and seized a significant cache of arms.

“The determined troops who further engaged the terrorists in pursuit, exploited the area and recovered 8 AK-47 rifles, ten AK-47 rifle magazines and large cache of 7.62 mm ammunition. Other items recovered include camel bag and several rolls of detonating cord wires for making IEDs as well as several primed IED,” the source added.

The military confirmed that one soldier was slightly injured and is in stable condition. Four MRAP tyres were damaged and two escort trucks destroyed in the encounter.

Despite the attack, the mission objective was achieved as relief supplies reached Damasak under military protection.

“The troops have sustained deliberate operations in the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action while continuing with the humanitarian operations of providing security to the relief materials which have since been secured and moved to Damasak,” the officer said.

Kareto and surrounding communities in northern Borno have endured repeated insurgent attacks in recent years, but Wednesday’s failed ambush underscores the army’s ongoing push to neutralise terrorist threats in the region.