Nigerian Troops Repel Major Terrorist Assault in Mallam Fatori, Kill Over 80 Insurgents Including Top Commanders

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a large-scale terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, killing more than 80 insurgents, including several high-profile commanders.

The coordinated assault, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, involved a five-pronged attack by heavily armed terrorists who advanced on foot and deployed drones in an attempt to overrun military positions. The attack was primarily directed at troop locations in Sector 3, particularly around the frontage of Bravo Company.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force  (North East) Operation HADIN KAI,  Lt col Uba Sani said that, the troops had prior intelligence of the impending assault and strategically prepared to counter it. The soldiers engaged the attackers with what was described as disciplined firepower and effective tactical manoeuvres, ultimately forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray.

The statement also said Air support played a crucial role in the operation, with the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai providing precision strikes. Additional aerial reinforcement from Nigerien forces further intensified the pressure on the fleeing insurgents.

Following the confrontation, troops recovered a large cache of weapons and equipment from the scene. These included 52 AK-47 rifles, eight PKT machine guns, seven RPG launchers, five general-purpose machine guns, over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, 21 RPG bombs, nine improvised explosive devices, communication radios, and components of armed drones.

Despite the intensity of the battle, military sources confirmed that casualties on the side of the troops were minimal, with four soldiers wounded in action and currently receiving treatment.

Notably, three senior terrorist commanders—identified as Abdulrahman Gobara, Ba Yuram, and Abou Ayyuba—were among those killed. Several other fighters were also neutralised during the operation, dealing a significant blow to the insurgents’ command structure in the area.

Military authorities described the outcome as a major operational success, emphasizing that troops remain in firm control of Mallam Fatori and surrounding areas. They also dismissed claims suggesting that security forces are being overwhelmed, stating instead that operations continue with high morale and effectiveness.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and rely only on verified information, warning against the spread of false reports aimed at undermining ongoing counterterrorism efforts.