Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a major attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on the Forward Operating Base in Kangar, Mallam Fatori, Borno State, killing six terrorists and recovering several weapons, including armed drones.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sanni, the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday and involved the use of mortar fire and weaponised drones targeting the base’s defensive positions.

Sanni said the troops, supported by reinforcements from a battalion under Sector 3, displayed “exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority” in the face of the coordinated assault launched around 4:30 a.m.

Despite the intensity of the offensive, the soldiers reportedly held their ground and engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat after sustaining heavy casualties.

He added that close air support from Nigerien fighter aircraft provided crucial reinforcement that helped repel the attackers.

“The terrorists, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the joint force, retreated in disarray into the waterways of the Tumbuns, evacuating several of their casualties,” the statement said.

A post-operation assessment revealed that six insurgents were killed, and the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five hand grenades, two bandoliers, and one Android phone.

Follow-up air interdictions by the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with the Nigerien Air Force, reportedly neutralised additional fleeing terrorists in the area.

Sanni confirmed that a few soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries and had been evacuated for medical attention. He said all were in stable condition.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) also provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support during the operation, while troops continued exploitation missions in surrounding waterways to track and eliminate remaining insurgents.

“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as they continue to maintain dominance in the general area,” Sanni noted.

He added that the military high command had commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East through sustained and coordinated operations.