Troops Repel Major Terrorist Assault in Mallam Fatori, Kill Over 80 Insurgents
By Matthew Eloyi
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a large-scale terrorist attack on military positions in Mallam Fatori, killing more than 80 insurgents, including several top commanders, in a fierce overnight battle.
The Nigerian military said the coordinated assault occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when insurgents launched a five-pronged attack targeting troops in Sector 3. The attackers reportedly advanced on foot in large numbers and deployed armed drones in an attempt to breach defensive positions, particularly around a forward location manned by Bravo Company.
However, troops of Operation HADIN KAI had anticipated the offensive and prepared a counter-strategy. According to military authorities, soldiers executed a well-coordinated defensive operation, combining disciplined firepower with tactical manoeuvres to repel the attackers.
“The terrorists were engaged, disrupted and forced to retreat in disarray,” the military said, noting that no fewer than 80 insurgents were killed during the encounter.
Air support played a critical role in the operation. Fighter aircraft from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out precision strikes, while allied air assets from neighbouring Niger conducted additional attack runs on fleeing insurgents, intensifying pressure on the retreating forces.
Following the battle, troops recovered a large cache of weapons and equipment, including dozens of rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, improvised explosive devices, ammunition, communication radios and components of armed drones.
Despite the scale of the attack, military authorities reported minimal casualties on the government side, with four soldiers wounded in action. The injured personnel were said to have been stabilised, while further assessments of the airstrikes are ongoing.
Among those killed were three high-profile insurgent commanders identified as Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba. Several other fighters, described as key operatives within the group, were also eliminated during the clash.
Military officials said the deaths of these commanders represent a significant blow to the insurgents’ leadership structure and operational capacity in the area.
The military described the outcome as a “decisive victory” and a major setback for terrorist networks operating in the region. It also dismissed recent claims suggesting that troops are under pressure, insisting that forces remain in full control of the area.
Authorities reassured residents that the security situation in Mallam Fatori and surrounding communities remains stable, urging the public to stay vigilant and ignore unverified reports aimed at undermining ongoing military operations.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their performance, calling for sustained momentum in operations across the North-East theatre.