Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of Wednesday repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing over 60 insurgents in the process.

The attack, according to a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Nigerian Army @HQ Nigerian Army, occurred at 12:50 a.m.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian Army has once again demonstrated its unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism, successfully repelling a coordinated night attack by insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

“The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 18 March 2026 at about 12:50 a.m., saw terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP advancing from the Duguri general area on foot, supported by multiple armed drones, in a bid to breach the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area.”

The statement said their movement was swiftly detected by vigilant troops who responded with overwhelming firepower.

“In a well-coordinated operation, troops in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, neutralising over 60 terrorist fighters, including some notorious commanders” It said.

The intense firefight, according to the statement, forced the remaining insurgents into a disorganised retreat towards the Arege general area.

“Troops have since commenced exploitation operations to pursue and eliminate the fleeing terrorists, while Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms are being deployed to dominate the adversary’s withdrawal routes and prevent regrouping” the statement added.

It further said that the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist elements, while reassuring law-abiding citizens of its dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the country.

The attack marks the latest among a series of assaults targeted at military locations across the state.