Troops eliminate over 60 ISWAP fighters in Borno – Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of Wednesday foiled an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Mallam Fatori, located in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement shared on its official Facebook page, @HQ Nigerian Army, noting that the assault took place around 12:50 a.m.

According to the statement, the insurgents, suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP, launched a coordinated nighttime offensive, advancing on foot from the Duguri area while deploying multiple armed drones in an attempt to breach the 68 Battalion’s Main Defensive Area.

However, their movement was quickly detected by alert troops, who responded with heavy firepower.

“The Nigerian Army has once again demonstrated its unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism, successfully repelling a coordinated night attack by insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

“The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 18 March 2026 at about 12:50 a.m., saw terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP advancing from the Duguri general area on foot, supported by multiple armed drones, in a bid to breach the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area.”

The army said in a coordinated counter-operation, ground forces worked alongside air support to decisively engage the attackers.

“In a well-coordinated operation, troops in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, neutralising over 60 terrorist fighters, including some notorious commanders” It said.

The military added that the fierce exchange forced the remaining insurgents to retreat in disarray toward the Arege area.

“Troops have since commenced exploitation operations to pursue and eliminate the fleeing terrorists, while Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms are being deployed to dominate the adversary’s withdrawal routes and prevent regrouping” the statement added.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and assured citizens of its determination to protect lives and property nationwide.

The incident is the latest in a string of attacks on military positions across Borno State.

Recently, troops also repelled coordinated assaults on bases in Ajiri Cross, Damboa, and Baga.