Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing more than 60 fighters, including key commanders.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, was confirmed in a statement released via the Nigerian Army’s official Facebook handle, @HQ Nigerian Army.
According to the statement, the attack began at about 12:50 a.m., when insurgents reportedly advanced towards a military formation from the Duguri general area, supported by multiple armed drones.
“The Nigerian Army has once again demonstrated its unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism, successfully repelling a coordinated night attack by insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 18 March 2026 at about 12:50 a.m., saw terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP advancing from the Duguri general area on foot, supported by multiple armed drones, in a bid to breach the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area,” the statement read.
The Army noted that the insurgents’ movement was quickly identified by troops on alert, prompting a swift and forceful response.
“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,” it added.
Following the intense exchange of gunfire, the remaining insurgents were said to have retreated in disarray towards the Arege general area, as troops maintained pressure through ongoing operations.
“Troops have since commenced exploitation operations to pursue and eliminate the fleeing terrorists, while Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms are being deployed to dominate the adversary’s withdrawal routes and prevent regrouping,” the statement said.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against insurgent groups, assuring citizens of continued efforts to protect lives and property nationwide.
The latest development is part of a series of recent attacks targeting military positions across Borno State, as insurgent groups intensify attempts to regain ground in the region.
Recall that troops had earlier repelled similar coordinated attacks on military bases in Ajiri Cross, Damboa, and Baga, reinforcing ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
