By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a massive, five-pronged terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

The coordinated assault by ISWAP and Boko Haram was met with overwhelming resistance from the joint task force.

The military confirmed the elimination of three high-profile commanders: Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram, and Abou Ayyuba. These leaders orchestrated the failed mission, which involved a large ground force supported by armed drones.

Beyond the leadership, at least 80 additional fighters were neutralized during the engagement. Notable insurgents killed include Zarkawi, Ba Bunu, and Rawa Fannami, representing a major blow to the group’s regional command structure.

The defense featured disciplined fire control and superior tactical execution by ground forces. This effort was bolstered by precision air support from the Nigerian Air Force and allied Nigerien air assets, which effectively routed the fleeing survivors.

Following the battle, troops recovered a massive cache of weapons, including 52 AK-47 rifles, machine guns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. They also seized seven RPG tubes, nine IEDs, and components of the terrorists’ armed drones.

Despite the intensity of the assault, the military recorded minimal casualties with only four soldiers wounded and promptly stabilized. Security remains under firm control in Mallam Fatori as troops maintain dominance over the area.

Lt. Col. Sanni Uba stated that this victory debunked recent propaganda suggesting the military was overwhelmed. The High Command praised the troops’ gallantry, noting their high morale and continued resilience in the face of such attacks.