The number of ISWAP fighters killed during a failed attack on military positions in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, has risen to 75, marking one of the most significant recent setbacks for the террорист group.
Initial reports indicated that 61 insurgents were neutralised following a coordinated counter-offensive by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force. However, updated battlefield assessments and follow-up clearance operations have confirmed that at least 75 fighters were killed, with several others believed to have escaped with severe injuries.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when ISWAP عناصر advanced on foot toward the 68 Battalion base, reportedly deploying armed drones in an attempt to penetrate defensive positions. The infiltration, launched from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company frontage, was swiftly detected and repelled by troops.
Military sources attributed the success of the operation to effective coordination between ground forces and air support, highlighting the increasing efficiency of joint operations in counter-insurgency efforts across the North-East.
According to the sources, four precision air interdiction strikes were carried out on identified withdrawal routes, significantly degrading the insurgents’ combat capability and disrupting their movements. The sustained aerial bombardment forced the attackers into a disorganised retreat toward the Arege axis.
The fleeing insurgents were further engaged by allied air assets from the Niger Republic, which conducted additional strike missions. Although a full battle damage assessment is still ongoing, security sources believe the combined operations contributed significantly to the increased casualty figures.
Troops also recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the battlefield, further weakening the operational strength of the group in the Lake Chad region.
On the side of government forces, four soldiers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated and stabilised.