SAA event in Nigeria on Thu 18th June 2026

Troops, CJTF Foil Terrorist Attack on Dambua IDP Camp Checkpoint 

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a security checkpoint at Aburi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Dambua, Borno State.

Security sources disclosed that the attack occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on June 18 when an unconfirmed number of terrorists, moving on foot and motorcycles, infiltrated through the Timbuktu Triangle axis with the apparent intention of attacking the CJTF checkpoint located within the camp.

According to military reports, troops of the 25 Brigade who were deployed in an ambush position along the Dambua-Gwoza Road quickly responded to the threat after receiving information on the terrorists’ movement.

The troops immediately reinforced the CJTF personnel at the checkpoint, engaging the attackers and forcing them to abandon the mission.

“The swift intervention of troops disrupted the terrorists’ plan and compelled them to retreat in disarray through the rear section of the IDP camp,” a military source said.

The source added that the terrorists fled under pressure from the combined security forces without gaining access to the target location.

During the exchange, one civilian sustained a gunshot wound believed to have been caused by a stray bullet fired by the fleeing terrorists.

The victim was promptly evacuated to the General Hospital in Dambua, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Military authorities said troops immediately conducted exploitation and pursuit operations in the area following the attack in an effort to track down the fleeing insurgents.

However, no further contact was made with the terrorists during the follow-up operation.

The foiled attack highlights the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating within the Timbuktu Triangle, a known insurgent corridor linking parts of Dambua, Bama and Gwoza Local Government Areas.

Security analysts note that the prompt reaction by troops and local security volunteers prevented what could have been a significant attack on a vulnerable civilian population residing in the camp.

Sources reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining aggressive operations against terrorist elements across the North-East theatre and protecting displaced communities from insurgent attacks.

They also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

The military further stated that although the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, troops remain alert to emerging threats and are prepared to respond decisively to any attempt by terrorists to disrupt peace and stability in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI has continued to sustain offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, targeting their hideouts, logistics networks and movement corridors across Borno and neighbouring states.