Scores of members of the terrorists group, Boko Haram, were killed on Wednesday as the Nigerian troops dealt a decisive blow on them.
19 vehicles were also seized from the terrorists who attacked Damboa, a town which is 85 kilometers away from Maiduguri, Borno State.
A member of the Civilian JTF and a member of Vigilance group that supported the troops lost their lives in the encounter.
Two women were also said to have died as a result of stray bullets.
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, who confirmed the encounter applauded the Nigerian troops for the gallantry displayed.
In a statement he issued on Thursday, the governor said the terrorists met a far more determined and battle-ready military.
His statement reads: “I find it compelling to salute our gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army and Air Force, under operation Lafiya Dole for a decisive blow against Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday morning in Damboa town. At about 6 a.m. yesterday, squads of the insurgents cleverly attacked Damboa from different directions, believing their ambush was going to succeed in overrunning the town.
“Unfortunately for the insurgents, they met a far more determined and battle-ready military. Soldiers of the army fought from the ground, the Air force quickly deployed fighter jets while volunteers in the Civilian JTF and Vigilantes complemented them.
“At the first stage, they destroyed 13 fighting vehicles after killing scores of insurgents, who drove on them.
“What I find even more impressive, was that after the insurgents retreated due to defeat, the military did not stay back, they remobilized and took the war to the fleeing insurgents and in the process, killed more insurgents and destroyed six more fighting vehicles, bringing to 19, the number of vehicles destroyed.
“The insurgents were deprived of and we know what one vehicle used for fighting means to the Boko Haram, talk more of 19.
“I salute our ground and air forces. I salute our volunteers who supported the military. I salute two volunteers, one each of the Civilian JTF and Vigilantes who paid the supreme price in trying to defend Borno and Nigeria. I commiserate with families of two women who died from stray bullets and wish those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.
“I assure the people of Borno State that so much is being put in place in the combined and very resolute effort to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. By the power of God, the insurgency will eventually end and we shall regain our enduring peace and prosperity.”
