Nigerian Army Repels Boko Haram, ISWAP Assault, Neutralises Six Terrorists

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated assault launched by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

According to a statement issued by Lt-Col Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK, the insurgents attacked the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar around 4:30 a.m., deploying drones and mortar fire in a bid to overrun the position.

However, the soldiers, reinforced by the Main Force from Sector 3, fought back fiercely with air support from Nigerian fighter jets, forcing the terrorists to retreat into the Tumbun waterways with their casualties.

Following the battle, troops recovered six bodies of terrorists, alongside five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, drone bombs, hand grenades, and an Android phone. Subsequent airstrikes by Nigerian air forces reportedly neutralised additional fleeing fighters.

Some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the exchange but were promptly evacuated for medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) commended the troops for their gallantry and reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East region.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the trial of two senior Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (alias Isah Adam), is scheduled to continue on 19 November 2025 before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The duo, arrested in July during a Department of State Services (DSS)-led counter-terrorism operation, are accused of coordinating terrorist cells across Nigeria and funding jihadist activities through kidnapping and illegal mining.

Usman, who pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining, has already been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, while Abba pleaded not guilty to 32 terrorism-related charges, and his trial is ongoing.