How ISWAP Malam Fatori attack backfired, leaving 63 terrorists dead

Nigerian troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have recorded a major operational success after neutralising over 63 ISWAP fighters in a failed attack on Malam Fatori, Borno State.

The operation, carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), dealt a significant blow to the insurgents’ fighting capability, military sources said.

The terrorists had launched a pre-dawn assault on Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in a bid to breach the defences of troops stationed at the 68 Battalion position in Abadam Local Government Area.

However, the attack was swiftly repelled through a coordinated response involving ground troops and precision air strikes.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama that the assault, which came through the frontage of Bravo Company from the Duguri axis, was met with overwhelming firepower, forcing the insurgents into a chaotic retreat.

“Our forces executed four highly effective air interdiction strikes on identified enemy positions, significantly degrading their combat strength,” a source said.

“The synergy between air and land forces denied the terrorists freedom of movement and compelled them to withdraw towards the Arege area after suffering heavy losses.”

Additional strike support from allied Nigerien air assets further intensified pressure on the fleeing fighters, although a full assessment of the damage is still ongoing.