Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised more than 60 terrorists in Mallam Fatori, located in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Those killed include several high-profile commanders linked to the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgent groups, according to military authorities.
The military disclosed that the insurgents advanced on foot from the Duguri general area, deploying multiple armed drones in an attempt to penetrate the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area.
However, alert troops detected the movement early and responded with superior firepower.
“Their movement was swiftly detected by vigilant troops who responded with overwhelming firepower,” a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, partly read.
“In a well-coordinated operation, troops in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, neutralising over 60 terrorist fighters, including some notorious commanders.
“The intense firefight forced the remaining insurgents into a disorganized retreat towards the Arege general area,” it added.
Uba further explained that troops have begun follow-up operations aimed at tracking down and eliminating the fleeing insurgents. He noted that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms are being deployed to monitor escape routes and prevent the regrouping of the attackers.
Reaffirming the army’s resolve, the spokesman stressed that the military remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorist groups and ensuring the protection of lives and property nationwide.
The latest operation occurred just two days after a series of suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, left at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured. The attacks targeted three prominent locations in the city, triggering widespread panic among residents.
In response, President Bola Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri on Tuesday. Upon arrival at the Air Force Base, they were received by the Theatre Commander before proceeding directly to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai.
The Chief of Defence Staff later inspected a quarter guard mounted in his honour. The service chiefs are expected to engage frontline troops, government officials, and other stakeholders to address the renewed wave of insurgent attacks in the region.
Despite the recent violence, authorities say calm has returned to Maiduguri. The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Kenneth Daso, confirmed that security operations are ongoing and investigations continue.
“Well, as of now, I would say in Borno State, normalcy has been restored.
“Joint security forces are currently undergoing security operations, and investigations are ongoing as the police are still probing the scene of the incidents,” Daso said during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
