Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) dealt a significant blow to insurgent forces on Wednesday, neutralizing over 80 terrorists, including three high-profile commanders, during a failed multi-pronged assault on Mallam Fatori.
The insurgents launched a simultaneous five-pronged attack in the early hours of the morning, utilizing large numbers of ground infantry and armed drones. The primary thrust of the assault targeted the “Bravo Company” sector from the Duguri axis. However, military officials stated that the troops, maintaining full situational awareness, had anticipated the move and prepared a decisive “offensive-defensive” response.
The Engagement
The battle involved disciplined fire control and tactical maneuvers that forced the attackers into a disorganized retreat. The ground defense was bolstered by precision close air support from the OPHK Air Component, alongside rapid strike passes from allied Nigerien air assets.
Following the engagement, a massive cache of weaponry was recovered from the field, including:
- 52 AK-47 rifles and 8 PKT machine guns.
- 5 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs).
- 7 RPG tubes and 21 RPG bombs.
- Over 3,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
- 9 locally fabricated IEDs and components of armed drones.
High-Profile Casualties
The Military confirmed the deaths of three key terrorist leaders: Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram, and Abou Ayyuba. Several other identified fighters, including Zarkawi, Ba Bunu, and Rawa Fannami, were also among the dead.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK, noted that the elimination of these figures represents a “severe disruption” to the terrorist command structure in the region.
Current Situation
Despite the intensity of the five-hour firefight, the JTF recorded minimal casualties, with four soldiers wounded. All injured personnel have been stabilized.
Addressing recent rumors of military setbacks, Lt. Col. Uba dismissed such claims as “misleading propaganda.” He emphasized that troops remain in firm control of Mallam Fatori and its environs, maintaining high morale and operational dominance.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged a sustained tempo to ensure continued stability in the North East.
