Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully foiled a large-scale terrorist attack on their positions in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, neutralising more than 80 insurgents, including three high-profile commanders.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the attack occurred in the early hours of the day when terrorists launched a coordinated five-pronged assault targeting troops’ դիր in Sector 3. The insurgents reportedly advanced in large numbers on foot and deployed armed drones in an attempt to breach military defences, particularly around the Bravo Company location from the Duguri axis.
However, troops—who had prior intelligence and situational awareness—anticipated the attack and executed what was described as a well-coordinated “offensive-defensive battle plan,” effectively repelling the insurgents.
“Troops had anticipated the attack and deliberately prepared an offensive-defensive battle designed to decisively defeat and annihilate the assault elements,” the statement said.
The military said the engagement involved disciplined firepower, coordinated manoeuvres and superior tactical execution, which forced the attackers into disarray.
Air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside allied Nigerien air assets, provided precision strikes that intensified pressure on the fleeing insurgents. A subsequent sweep of the battlefield led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and equipment, including 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 clash, the military reported minimal casualties on its side, with four soldiers wounded and promptly stabilised.
Significantly, the operation led to the elimination of three key terrorist commanders—Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba—alongside several other fighters identified as Zarkawi, Ba Bunu, Rawa Fannami, Abowor Suwurti, Bulama Mil, Abu Aisha, Suleimana, Abu Rijal, Abu Ali, Abba Gana Kawiyya and Ahmodu Hirasama.
“The elimination of these commanders and fighters represents a severe disruption to the terrorist command structure and operational capability within the axis,” the statement added.
The military described the outcome as a major operational success and a significant setback for terrorist networks operating in the المنطقة, noting that the failed attack contradicts claims suggesting troops are overwhelmed.
Operation HADIN KAI reassured residents that the security situation in Mallam Fatori and surrounding communities remains under control, urging the public to remain vigilant and disregard unverified reports.
The Military High Command also commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, encouraging them to sustain the ongoing operational momentum.
