Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised more than 80 terrorists following a fierce overnight battle in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, in what authorities describe as a major setback for insurgent operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
According to military reports, the terrorists launched a coordinated five-pronged attack on a military formation in the early hours of Wednesday, advancing in large numbers and attempting to breach defensive positions.
The attackers, suspected to be members of Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), reportedly deployed armed drones and heavy weapons during the assault, highlighting evolving tactics by insurgent groups in the region.
However, troops responded with intense ground fire and air support, successfully repelling the attack and killing at least 80 fighters, including several high-profile commanders.
Military authorities also confirmed that a cache of weapons, including rifles, explosives, and drone components, was recovered from the scene, further degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents.
Only a few soldiers were reported injured during the operation, and they have since been evacuated for treatment.
The latest operation comes amid renewed security concerns in Borno State, following recent suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri that left dozens dead and many others injured, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.
Security analysts say the successful defence of the military base demonstrates improved preparedness by Nigerian forces, particularly in anticipating coordinated attacks.
However, they caution that the continued use of advanced tactics such as drones by insurgents signals an evolving conflict that will require sustained military pressure, enhanced intelligence, and regional cooperation.
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which has lasted over a decade and continues to challenge security efforts despite repeated military gains.
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