Five Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed in an ambush by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the ambush occurred on January 4 and triggered a two-hour firefight. In addition to the loss of five soldiers, some military equipment was destroyed during the attack.

In response, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai launched targeted airstrikes on ISWAP’s strongholds within the Timbuktu Triangle, a critical area in Borno known for its challenging terrain and strategic significance to the insurgents.

“Intelligence sources confirmed that the precision airstrikes dismantled several ISWAP positions and disrupted their operational capabilities,” the report stated. “A significant number of terrorists were neutralized during the operation.”

Additionally, airstrikes were carried out in the Gwoza axis of the Mandara mountain range. These strikes targeted factions of Boko Haram loyal to Ali Ngulde, a key commander, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken insurgent networks in the region.

The military’s heightened offensive underscores its commitment to countering the escalating insurgent activities in Borno and other affected areas.