Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Nigerian Air Force, have reportedly killed at least 61 ISWAP fighters during a failed attempt to infiltrate their base in Malam Fatori, Abadam LGA of Borno State.

According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in an effort to breach the 68 Battalion’s position.

The assault, which approached through the Bravo Company axis from the Duguri area, was met with strong resistance from troops, backed by coordinated air support. Precision air strikes and ground operations combined effectively to halt the advance and inflict heavy losses on the attackers.

Sources said four targeted air interdiction strikes significantly weakened the insurgents’ capability, forcing them to retreat in disarray towards the Arege area. Additional aerial support from Nigerien forces reportedly intensified pressure on the fleeing fighters, though full damage assessments are still ongoing.

Despite the intensity of the clash, only four soldiers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated.

The development comes just days after multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri left several people dead and over 100 injured, prompting President Bola Tinubu to direct security chiefs to relocate to the Borno State capital.