The number of terrorists killed after a failed attack on Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State has risen to 75, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Makama said earlier reports put the death toll at 61 after troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, pushed back the attack. Fresh battlefield checks and follow-up operations later raised the figure to 75. He added that several other fighters escaped with serious injuries.
The attack happened in the early hours of Wednesday. ISWAP fighters reportedly moved on foot toward the position of the 68 Battalion in an attempt to break through military lines.
According to the report, the insurgents also used armed drones during the assault. Troops quickly spotted the movement from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company area and responded immediately.
Read also :PDP Criticises Tinubu Over Maiduguri Bomb Attacks
Military sources said strong coordination between ground troops and air support helped stop the attack.
During the battle, air forces carried out four targeted strikes on the routes used by the fleeing fighters. The strikes weakened the group and disrupted their movement, forcing them to retreat toward the Arege axis.
The report added that air assets from the Niger Republic also struck the fleeing insurgents. Security officials believe the joint operation contributed to the higher casualty figure, although a full damage assessment is still ongoing.
Troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the scene, dealing another blow to the group’s activities in the Lake Chad region.
On the military side, four soldiers suffered minor injuries. Officials treated them and confirmed that they are stable.
Security analysts described the outcome as a major win for troops fighting insurgency in the North-East. They said the operation showed the growing impact of joint efforts between ground forces and air support.
