By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully foiled a major terrorist assault on their positions in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, neutralising more than 80 insurgents, including key commanders.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, was described as a coordinated five-pronged offensive launched by a large number of terrorists advancing on foot and supported by armed drones. The assault targeted troops’ locations in Sector 3, particularly along the frontage of Bravo Company from the Duguri general area.
However, in a swift and decisive response, the troops repelled the attackers following what military authorities said was prior intelligence and deliberate operational planning.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops maintained full situational awareness and anticipated the attack, enabling them to mount a well-coordinated offensive-defensive operation.
“The troops engaged the terrorists with disciplined fire control, coordinated manoeuvre and superior tactical execution, leading to the disruption and routing of the attackers in disarray,” the statement said, adding that no fewer than 80 insurgents were killed during the encounter.
The operation was further bolstered by close air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside strike missions carried out by allied Nigerien air assets, which intensified pressure on the fleeing insurgents.
Following the engagement, troops conducted exploitation operations and recovered a large cache of weapons and equipment. These included 52 AK-47 rifles, eight PKT machine guns, seven rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, five General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), over 3,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 21 RPG bombs, nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication radios, and components of armed drones used by the terrorists.
Despite the scale of the attack, the military reported minimal casualties on its side, with four soldiers wounded in action and promptly stabilised.
Significantly, the operation led to the elimination of three high-profile terrorist commanders identified as Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba. Several other fighters, including Zarkawi, Ba Bunu, Rawa Fannami, Abowor Suwurti, Bulama Mil, Abu Aisha, Suleimana, Abu Rijal, Abu Ali, Abba Gana Kawiyya and Ahmodu Hirasama, were also neutralised.
Military authorities described the outcome as a major operational success that has dealt a severe blow to the terrorists’ command structure and fighting capability in the area.
They also dismissed recent claims suggesting that troops were overwhelmed, stating that forces remain firmly in control of all operational locations, with sustained offensive actions, strong coordination among services and high troop morale.
Operation HADIN KAI reassured residents of Mallam Fatori and surrounding communities that the security situation remains under control, urging the public to remain vigilant and disregard unverified reports aimed at undermining ongoing military operations.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, encouraging them to sustain the current operational momentum.
