Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, have killed at least 61 suspected ISWAP fighters during a failed attack on a military position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources confirm to Zagola Makama a counter-terrorism publication who disclosed that the insurgents launched the assault in the early hours of Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in an attempt to overrun troops stationed at the 68 Battalion.
The development follows a deadly blast that occurred on Monday in Maiduguri, the State capital, heightening fresh security concerns in the region. The explosion, which killed at least 23 people and left more than 150 others hospitalized, triggered panic among residents and was suspected to be linked to an improvised explosive device (IED), by Boko Haram and ISWAP. The incident underscores the persistent threat of insurgent activity in Borno State despite ongoing military operations to restore stability.
According to the sources, the attack, which approached from the Duguri axis targeting the frontage of Bravo Company, was met with coordinated resistance from ground troops backed by air support.
The troops, supported by precision air strikes, engaged the insurgents in what was described as a fierce battle, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the attackers into retreat.
“Our forces executed four highly effective air interdiction strikes on identified enemy positions, significantly degrading their fighting capability,” a source said. “The synergy between air and ground forces denied them freedom of movement and forced a disorderly withdrawal towards the Arege area.”
The sources added that air support from neighbouring Niger Republic further intensified pressure on the fleeing insurgents, although an assessment of the damage from those strikes is ongoing.
Despite the intensity of the clash, only four soldiers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated and stabilised, the sources confirmed.
