BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed more than 60 terrorists during a fierce confrontation in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military authorities said several notorious commanders linked to the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgent groups were among those neutralised.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, the terrorists had advanced from the Duguri general area on foot, supported by multiple armed drones, in an attempt to breach the 68 Battalion’s Main Defensive Area.
“Their movement was swiftly detected by vigilant troops who responded with overwhelming firepower,” the statement said.
Uba explained that in a well-coordinated operation, ground troops working in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, killing more than 60 fighters.
“The intense firefight forced the remaining insurgents into a disorganised retreat towards the Arege general area,” he added.
The spokesman disclosed that troops had commenced follow-up exploitation operations to track and eliminate the fleeing terrorists, while intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms were deployed to monitor the withdrawal routes and prevent the insurgents from regrouping.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorist groups and safeguarding lives and property across the country.
The latest offensive comes barely two days after at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following suicide bomb attacks at three locations in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
In response to the attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday directed Nigeria’s security chiefs to relocate temporarily to the city to coordinate counter-terrorism operations.
The service chiefs, who arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri, were received by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai before proceeding to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force.
The Chief of Defence Staff later inspected a quarter guard mounted in his honour, after which the military leadership held consultations with frontline troops, government officials and other stakeholders on strategies to curb the renewed insurgent attacks in the region.
Monday’s bombings had sparked panic among residents of Maiduguri, who had experienced relative calm in recent years.
However, the spokesman of the Borno State Police Command, Kenneth Daso, said normalcy had since been restored in the city.
“As of now, I would say normalcy has returned in Borno State. Joint security forces are currently conducting operations while investigations are ongoing,” Daso said during an appearance on the Channels Television breakfast programme The Morning Brief.
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