Troops have recorded a significant counterterrorism success, eliminating two senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province and 84 fighters during a coordinated ambush operation in the Malam Fatori axis of Borno State.

The operation, which followed recent suicide attacks in Maiduguri, combined intelligence gathering, deception tactics, precision airstrikes, and ground assaults to neutralise the insurgents.

According to security sources, the military acted on credible intelligence about the movement of insurgents toward a strategic target. Instead of a direct defensive response, troops staged a tactical decoy—simulating vulnerability—to lure the fighters into a pre-planned kill zone.

Once the insurgents entered the area, airstrikes were launched with precision, followed by ground forces engaging fleeing fighters. Troops from the 68 Battalion played a key role in both the ambush and subsequent mop-up operations.

Among those killed were two high-ranking commanders identified as Abu Aisha (alias Nagif) and Abu Ali Chaptar (alias Gunner Sambisa). Additional fighters attempting to escape were intercepted through coordinated firepower along withdrawal routes.

Troops recovered a cache of weapons and materials, including rifles, machine guns, explosives, communication devices, and documents linked to suspected operatives. Four soldiers reportedly sustained minor injuries.

The operation highlights the increasing reliance on intelligence-led strategies, joint coordination, and precision strikes in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency.