Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working in close coordination with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have recorded a major battlefield success after neutralising no fewer than 61 ISWAP terrorists during a failed infiltration attempt on troops’ position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security sources involved in the operation disclosed that the terrorists launched the attack in the early hours of Wednesday, advancing on foot while also deploying armed drones in a desperate attempt to overwhelm troops at the 68 Battalion location.
According to the sources, the assault—directed through the frontage of Bravo Company from the Duguri general area—was met with overwhelming firepower, swift tactical response, and superior coordination between ground troops and air components.
The sources said that troops, backed by precision air strikes, engaged the insurgents in a fierce and sustained battle that inflicted devastating losses on the terrorists and forced a chaotic retreat.
A senior military source said the operation underscored the growing effectiveness of joint air-ground combat synergy, which enabled troops to detect, fix, and destroy the advancing insurgents before they could penetrate defensive lines.
The source further revealed that allied Nigerien air assets also joined the fight, conducting rapid strike passes against the retreating terrorists and adding to the pressure on the fleeing insurgents. However, battle damage assessment from the allied strikes was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
Military insiders described the operation as a significant tactical and strategic victory, noting that the successful defence of Malam Fatori not only prevented a potentially dangerous breach of troops’ location, but also dealt a severe blow to ISWAP’s operational capacity in the Lake Chad fringes.
Defence observers say the elimination of such a large number of fighters in a single coordinated engagement sends a strong message about the renewed offensive posture of troops in the North East and the increasing ability of OPHK to counter evolving terrorist tactics, including the use of drones.
The operation also highlights the importance of regional military cooperation, as the support from neighbouring Niger Republic demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration in denying terrorists safe escape routes and operational flexibility.
Despite the intensity of the confrontation, military sources confirmed that four soldiers sustained minor injuries during the battle and have since been stabilised, with no fatalities reported among the troops.
The successful repulsion of the attack is being viewed as yet another clear indication that troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain firmly in control, resilient, and combat-ready in the face of persistent terrorist threats.
Analysts believe the outcome will likely disrupt ISWAP’s immediate plans in the Malam Fatori–Arege axis, weaken their morale, and degrade their ability to launch similar high-risk assaults in the near term.
As counter-insurgency operations continue across the North East, the latest victory reinforces confidence in the military’s capacity to dominate the battlefield, protect strategic positions, and sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
