TDNigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully repelled an ISWAP attack on Malam Fatori, Abadam LGA, Borno State, killing at least 61 terrorists in a fierce battle early Wednesday.
Key Facts
- Location: Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area, Borno State.
- Date/Time: Early hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
- Casualties: 61 ISWAP fighters neutralised.
- Troops involved: Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
- Attack method: Insurgents advanced on foot from the Duguri axis and deployed armed drones in a desperate bid to breach the 68 Battalion’s defences.
How the Attack Was Repelled
The assault came through the Bravo Company frontage from the Duguri area.
Troops responded with overwhelming firepower, coordinated ground manoeuvres, and precision airstrikes.
The combined effort of ground forces and air components ensured the attackers were decisively neutralised before they could penetrate the military base.
ISWAP’s use of armed drones marks a growing sophistication in insurgent tactics, highlighting the evolving threat in the Lake Chad region.
The successful defence underscores the effectiveness of joint operations between the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
Malam Fatori, located near the Nigeria–Chad border, remains a strategic flashpoint due to its proximity to insurgent hideouts and smuggling routes.
Public and Military Reactions
Security analysts note that the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s improved counter-insurgency coordination, particularly in integrating air power with ground defence.
Local communities in Borno have expressed relief, though concerns remain about ISWAP’s increasing reliance on drone technology.
Military sources emphasize that vigilance must remain high, as insurgents are likely to attempt further attacks in border regions.
The Troop Triumph at Malam Fatori is a significant victory for Nigerian forces, eliminating 61 ISWAP fighters and thwarting a drone-assisted infiltration attempt.
While the operation highlights the resilience of Nigerian troops, it also signals the need for continued adaptation to insurgents’ evolving tactics.
In the past year, ISWAP has intensified attacks across Borno and the Lake Chad region, targeting military bases, border villages, and rival factions.
The most recent was the March 2026 Malam Fatori assault, where Nigerian troops eliminated 61 fighters.
Timeline of Recent ISWAP Attacks (2025–2026)
| Date | Location | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 18, 2026 | Malam Fatori, Abadam LGA, Borno State | ISWAP launched a dawn attack using foot soldiers and armed drones against 68 Battalion. | Nigerian Army & Air Force repelled the attack, killing 61 terrorists. |
| Nov 5–8, 2025 | Lake Chad Islands (Dogon Chiku, Tumbun Gini, Mangari) | Intense clashes between ISWAP and Boko Haram factions over smuggling routes and territorial control. | Hundreds killed; Boko Haram temporarily overran ISWAP-held settlements. |
| Aug 12, 2025 | Buni Gari, Yobe State | ISWAP fighters on motorcycles raided a Nigerian Army “supercamp.” | Attack repelled, but highlighted ISWAP’s evolving tactics (motorcycles, drones, improvised carriers). |
| Early 2025 (multiple incidents) | Border zones of Borno & Lake Chad Basin | At least 15 attacks recorded on remote military outposts. | Bases targeted to destabilize resettlement efforts for displaced civilians. |
Key Trends in ISWAP Activity
- Tactical evolution: Increasing use of armed drones, motorcycles, and improvised armored vehicles.
- Territorial battles: ISWAP is locked in a violent rivalry with Boko Haram’s JAS faction, especially around Lake Chad islands.
- Target selection: Focus on remote military bases and border settlements, aiming to disrupt stabilization and resettlement programs.
- Casualty scale: Clashes often result in dozens to hundreds of deaths, underscoring the intensity of the insurgency.
Implications for Security
- Border instability: The Lake Chad Basin remains a flashpoint due to porous borders and smuggling routes.
- Civilian risk: Attacks on stabilization bases threaten displaced persons returning to their communities.
- Military adaptation: Nigerian forces are increasingly integrating air power with ground operations to counter ISWAP’s evolving tactics.
The Malam Fatori victory is the latest in a series of confrontations showing both ISWAP’s growing sophistication and the Nigerian military’s resilience.
However, the November 2025 Lake Chad battles and August 2025 raids reveal that the insurgency remains entrenched.
It shows that ISWAP is adapting its methods to sustain pressure in Borno and beyond.
