SAA event in Nigeria on Fri 20th March 2026

Troops foil ISWAP attack on Damasak, force terrorists to retreat 

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists on military positions in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on March 20 when surveillance teams detected suspicious movements around key locations in the area.

The sources said terrorists were sighted advancing from three different directions, including the Gaidam–Choukoku axis, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp vicinity, and areas close to troop deployment and headquarters in Damasak.

“Troops promptly engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray,” the source said.

Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was also deployed to provide Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support over the general area during and after the engagement.

Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation operations to track the fleeing terrorists.

“It was observed that the fleeing terrorists attempted to conceal themselves within cattle herds and surrounding vegetation,” the source added.

No casualties or damage were recorded on the side of the troops.