Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have neutralised at least 61 terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a failed attack in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists reportedly launched their assault early Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in an attempt to breach the defences at the 68 Battalion. The attack, originating from the Duguri general area towards the Bravo Company frontage, was met with coordinated ground and air countermeasures.

Troops, supported by precision air strikes, engaged the insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing a disorderly retreat towards the Arege general area. Four highly effective air interdiction strikes were carried out against identified enemy positions, significantly degrading the terrorists’ fighting capability.

Allied air assets from Niger Republic also participated, applying additional pressure on the fleeing insurgents. The assessment of the impact from these joint operations is still ongoing.

The Nigerian forces reported minor injuries to four soldiers during the engagement, all of whom have been stabilised.