Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Nigerian Air Force, have neutralised at least 61 ISWAP fighters during a failed attack in Malam Fatori.
Security sources said the insurgents launched the assault in the early hours of Wednesday, attempting to infiltrate the 68 Battalion’s position.
The attackers reportedly advanced on foot while deploying armed drones in a bid to breach military defences.
The offensive, which came through the Bravo Company frontage from the Duguri axis, was repelled by coordinated ground and air operations.
Troops, backed by precision airstrikes, engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle, inflicting heavy losses.
According to the sources, four targeted air interdiction strikes were carried out on identified terrorist positions, significantly weakening their combat strength.
The joint air-ground strategy restricted the fighters’ movement and forced them into a disorganised retreat towards the Arege area.
Additional aerial support from forces in the Niger Republic further intensified pressure on the fleeing insurgents, although full damage assessments from those strikes are still ongoing.
Despite the intensity of the encounter, only four soldiers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated and stabilised.
- 2027: LP fixes May 23 for presidential primaries - March 18, 2026
- 11 vigilantes, 3 bandits killed in clash after peace deal collapse in Katsina - March 18, 2026
- Adenuga breaks silence on Papa Ajasco controversy - March 18, 2026
