Residents of Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State are reeling from a deadly attack by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, even as troops of Operation Hadin Kai swiftly responded and crushed the attackers.

The assault occurred on Friday night when heavily armed insurgents stormed the remote community, opening fire indiscriminately and killing several villagers. Witnesses said the attack triggered panic, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that troops, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, mobilised immediately after receiving distress calls.

“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were deployed to track the terrorists as they attempted to flee northwards from Darajamal. Once the presence of friendly forces was confirmed, the aircrew engaged the fleeing fighters with successive airstrikes,” the source disclosed.

According to him, over 30 insurgents were neutralised in the strikes, while ground reinforcements quickly moved in to secure the community. More terrorist casualties are said to be under assessment.

It was gathered that the coordinated operation disrupted the insurgents’ plans to regroup, forcing survivors of the air assault to retreat deeper into the Sambisa forest.

Security sources confirmed that calm has since been restored in Darajamal, with troops conducting search operations in surrounding villages to reassure residents and prevent reprisal attacks.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have raised concerns over the plight of survivors who lost loved ones and property during the initial raid. They emphasised the urgent need for food, medical assistance, and psychosocial support for the affected families.

Governor Babagana Zulum, alongside senior military commanders, is expected to visit Darajamal to assess the situation and provide government support to the community.