Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled a coordinated midnight assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, killing more than 60 insurgents, including senior commanders.
According to a statement released by the Army, the attack unfolded around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday when heavily armed fighters advanced on foot from the Duguri axis.
The assault reportedly involved the use of multiple armed drones, as the insurgents attempted to penetrate the 68 Battalion’s Main Defensive Area.
However, troops on the ground detected the movement early and responded swiftly with what officials described as overwhelming firepower.
In a coordinated counteroffensive combining ground troops and air support, the military engaged the attackers in an intense firefight.
The operation resulted in heavy casualties among the insurgents, while survivors fled in disarray toward the Arege area.
The Army said follow-up operations are already underway, with troops pursuing the retreating fighters to prevent regrouping.
It added that Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are being deployed to track escape routes and maintain pressure on the fleeing insurgents.
The latest clash highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian forces to contain insurgent activities in the North-East, as military operations intensify across the region.
