By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled a coordinated midnight assault by insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising over 60 fighters, including notorious commanders.
The attack unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, around 12:50 a.m., as suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists advanced on foot from the Duguri axis, supported by armed drones, in a bid to breach the 68 Battalion’s Main Defensive Area.
Alert troops detected the movement early and responded with overwhelming firepower, halting the assault before the attackers could penetrate the defensive lines.
In a coordinated counter-offensive, ground forces, backed by air support, engaged the insurgents in fierce combat, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the surviving fighters into a chaotic retreat toward the Arege area.
Military sources confirmed that the encounter eliminated more than 60 terrorists, including several high-profile commanders, delivering a major setback to insurgent operations in the region.
Follow-up operations are ongoing, with troops pursuing fleeing fighters and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platforms monitoring withdrawal routes to prevent regrouping.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist elements and assured citizens of its determination to safeguard lives and property nationwide.
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