Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded a major victory against insurgents in Borno State after repelling a large-scale attack on military positions in Mallam Fatori, killing more than 80 fighters, including three senior commanders linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The fierce battle, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday in Mallam Fatori, a town in Abadam Local Government Area near Nigeria’s border with Niger, is one of the most significant recent confrontations between troops and insurgents in the North-East region.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Sanni Uba, the military confirmed that the attackers launched a coordinated assault on troop positions but were successfully repelled.
According to the statement, the troops neutralised three high-profile commanders identified as Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram, and Abou Ayyuba. The commanders were said to have led the failed operation.
Several other fighters were also killed during the clash. They include Zarkawi, Ba Bunu, Rawa Fannami, Abowor Suwurti, Bulama Mil, Abu Aisha, Suleimana, Abu Rijal, Abu Ali, Abba Gana Kawiyya, and Ahmodu Hirasama.
The military said the attack was carefully planned by the insurgents and involved a “five-pronged” strategy, with fighters advancing from multiple directions at the same time. The attackers reportedly came in large numbers on foot and also deployed armed drones in an attempt to break through the military’s defensive lines.
However, troops were said to have anticipated the attack ahead of time. According to the statement, they had already put in place an “offensive-defensive” strategy designed to stop and defeat the insurgents.
The soldiers responded with coordinated firepower and tactical movements, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat after suffering heavy losses. The military described the outcome as a decisive victory.
Air support also played a key role in the operation. Fighter aircraft under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on the insurgents during the battle. In addition, air support from neighbouring Niger was deployed, further increasing pressure on the fleeing fighters.
The involvement of Nigerien air assets highlights ongoing regional cooperation among countries in the Lake Chad Basin in the fight against terrorism. Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon have continued to work together under joint security arrangements to tackle insurgent groups operating across their borders.
Following the battle, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered a large quantity of weapons and equipment left behind by the insurgents. These include 52 AK-47 rifles, eight PKT machine guns, seven rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, and five General Purpose Machine Guns.
Other items recovered include over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, 21 RPG bombs, nine locally made improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication radios, and parts of armed drones used in the attack.
The military said the recovery of these items would further weaken the operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
Despite the intensity of the attack, the military reported minimal casualties on its side. Four soldiers were said to have been wounded during the engagement and have since received medical attention.
The statement noted that further assessment of the damage caused by air strikes is still ongoing.
Military authorities described the killing of the three commanders and dozens of fighters as a major blow to the insurgents’ leadership structure in the region. They said it would disrupt their operations and reduce their ability to carry out attacks in the short term.
The latest clash is part of the long-running conflict between Nigerian security forces and insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP. The insurgency, which began in 2009, has led to the loss of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, especially in the North-East.
Over the years, the Nigerian military has launched several operations to reclaim territories once controlled by insurgents. Operation Hadin Kai, which replaced earlier operations in the region, continues to focus on eliminating terrorist strongholds and restoring normal life in affected communities.
Mallam Fatori has been a strategic location in the conflict due to its proximity to international borders. The town has witnessed repeated attacks by insurgents who often attempt to take advantage of its remote location.
In recent months, there have been concerns raised by some observers about the security situation in parts of Borno State, with reports of renewed attacks on military bases and communities. However, the military has consistently maintained that troops remain in control and continue to record successes against insurgents.
In its latest statement, the military dismissed claims that its forces are overwhelmed, describing such reports as misleading and aimed at undermining ongoing operations.
It reassured residents of Mallam Fatori and surrounding communities that the situation is under control and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Military High Command also commended the troops for their bravery and resilience during the operation, urging them to sustain the momentum in the fight against insurgency.
The battle in Mallam Fatori is the latest in a series of attacks targeting military positions in Borno State. Analysts say while the insurgents still retain the capacity to launch attacks, the continued pressure from Nigerian forces and regional allies is gradually limiting their operational strength.
For residents of the North-East, the hope remains that sustained military operations, combined with humanitarian support and rebuilding efforts, will eventually bring lasting peace to the region.
As the conflict continues, the Nigerian government has repeatedly stated its commitment to ending insurgency and restoring stability. The latest success by Operation Hadin Kai is likely to boost confidence in the military’s efforts, even as challenges remain in securing all affected areas.