Nigerian Military Eliminates 16 Boko Haram Fighters in Borno State Clash

Nigerian forces killed 16 members of the Boko Haram extremist group during an overnight operation in northeastern Borno state, military officials confirmed Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. The engagement occurred near Damboa around 1:00 a.m. local time, with troops employing sustained artillery fire against the militants.

Army spokesperson Onyechi Anele reported that the terrorists had attempted to assault a military brigade, prompting emergency air support deployment. While the confrontation damaged an ammunition storage facility, security personnel quickly contained the situation without further escalation.

The incident follows intensified insurgent activity in Borno, where militants have increasingly used explosive devices in recent months. Boko Haram, active across Nigeria’s northeast and neighboring countries, remains responsible for widespread violence and displacement over the past decade.

Separately, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu revealed that security forces neutralized 15,543 insurgents nationwide during President Bola Tinubu’s first two years in office.