The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of 34 insurgents following a fierce gunfight in Sabon Gari village, Borno State on Saturday.

The clash occurred when militants ambushed troops returning to their base. Six soldiers lost their lives during the battle, and a vigilante commander was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED).

According to Major-General Edward Buba, a military spokesperson, the insurgents, identified as members of Boko Haram and its Daesh faction, launched the attack using motorcycles and trucks armed with heavy guns.

The troops, supported by reinforcements from the Civilian Joint Taskforce and vigilante groups, successfully fought back, repelling the ambush.

The Nigerian Air Force also conducted airstrikes on the fleeing militants, causing additional casualties. This coordinated effort contributed to the significant losses inflicted on the insurgents.

Nigeria has been battling a 16-year-long insurgency in the northeast, primarily led by Boko Haram and its Daesh offshoot. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, a humanitarian crisis, and severe economic losses.

Major-General Buba expressed condolences for the soldiers who died in the line of duty, emphasizing the military’s continued commitment to combating insurgency in the region.