Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a large-scale terrorist attack on military positions in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, neutralised more than 80 insurgents, including several high-profile commanders.
The coordinated assault, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, involved a five-pronged advance by heavily armed terrorists who attempted to overrun troop locations in Sector 3. The attackers reportedly advanced on foot and deployed armed drones in a bid to breach defensive positions, particularly along the Bravo Company frontage from the Duguri axis.
However, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, had anticipated the offensive and prepared a robust counter-strategy. Through disciplined firepower, coordinated manoeuvres and superior tactical execution, the troops engaged and overwhelmed the insurgents, forcing them into a chaotic retreat.
Air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside strike missions by allied Nigerien forces, played a decisive role in degrading the fleeing terrorists. Subsequent exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and equipment.
Recovered items included 52 AK-47 rifles, eight PKT machine guns, seven RPG launchers, five General Purpose Machine Guns, over 3,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 21 RPG bombs, nine locally fabricated improvised explosive devices, as well as communication radios and components of armed drones.
Despite the intensity of the encounter, casualties on the side of the troops were minimal, with four soldiers wounded in action and currently receiving medical care. Battle damage assessment of the air strikes is still ongoing.
Among those neutralised were three high-profile terrorist commanders identified as Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba, believed to have played key roles in coordinating the failed assault. Several other fighters were also eliminated, further weakening the insurgents’ operational structure in the area.
Military authorities described the outcome as a significant operational victory, noting that the elimination of key commanders represents a major blow to terrorist activities within the axis.
The military also dismissed claims suggesting that troops are overwhelmed, stating that forces remained in firm control of Mallam Fatori and surrounding areas, backed by sustained offensive operations and strong morale.
Operation HADIN KAI reassured residents of continued security in the area and urged the public to remain vigilant while disregarding unverified reports aimed at undermining military efforts.
