Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of Wednesday successfully foiled an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing more than 60 insurgents.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official X page with a video of the incident, noting that the attack occurred around 12:50 a.m. on March 18, 2026.
According to the statement, the insurgents launched a coordinated night assault, advancing on foot from the Duguri axis, with support from armed drones, in an attempt to penetrate the defensive position of the 68 Battalion.
The statement read in part; “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. However, their movement was swiftly detected by vigilant troops who responded with overwhelming firepower.
“In a well-coordinated operation, troops in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, neutralizing over 60 terrorist fighters, including some notorious commanders. The intense firefight forced the remaining insurgents into a disorganized retreat towards the Arege general area.”
However, their movement was quickly detected by alert troops, who responded with heavy and sustained firepower. In collaboration with air support units, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce battle, neutralising over 60 fighters, including some key commanders.
The military said the intensity of the counterattack forced the remaining insurgents to retreat in disarray towards the Arege area.
Following the encounter, troops have begun follow-up operations aimed at tracking down and eliminating fleeing terrorists. Surveillance and reconnaissance assets have also been deployed to monitor escape routes and prevent any regrouping.
The Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and assured residents of its determination to protect lives and property.
The incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting military positions across the state. Similar assaults were recently recorded in Ajiri Cross, Damboa, and Baga, all of which were repelled by troops.
