A MAJOR Boko Haram assault on Malam Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area in Borno State, was on Tuesday repelled by Nigerian troops backed by Nigerien forces and air support, leaving at least six terrorists dead while several others fled with injuries.
News Point Nigeria reports that the coordinated pre-dawn attack, which occurred around 4:30am, targeted the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the area. Security and military sources said the insurgents deployed armed drones, mortars and heavy weapons in an effort to breach the defence perimeter.
A senior military source confirmed to News Point Nigeria that the terrorists initiated the offensive simultaneously from the Tumbuns waterways, firing mortar shells while deploying explosive-laden drones on troop positions.
“The attack was defeated by the gallant troops supported by Nigerien fighter ground-attack platforms,” the source said.
Despite sustaining minor injuries among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Nigerian forces held their ground and launched a fierce counter-assault with reinforcement from the battalion under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai.
Faced with superior firepower and tactical coordination, the insurgents retreated in disarray, evacuating several of their casualties into the surrounding marshy terrains of Lake Chad.
A post-battle clearance confirmed the recovery of:
5 AK-47 rifles
8 magazines
258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
5 RPG bombs
4 armed drone bombs
5 hand grenades
2 bandoliers
1 Android phone
While six bodies of the terrorists were visibly recovered, military reports indicate that additional dozens were neutralised during follow-up air interdictions conducted by the Nigerian and Nigerien air forces.
“Exploitation of the waterways continues by the resilient troops,” the source added.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, confirmed that all wounded personnel were evacuated by MNJTF aircraft and remain in stable condition.
He noted that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) played a crucial role in tracking fleeing fighters and preventing regrouping.
“Troops’ morale remained high as they continue to dominate the battlespace,” Lt.-Col. Uba said.
“The Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism.”