In a fierce predawn battle that showcased tactical brilliance and regional military synergy, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have crushed a major Boko Haram/ISWAP offensive on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar, Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
The terrorists launched a coordinated assault around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, employing armed drones and heavy mortar fire in a daring attempt to overrun the base. But the Nigerian troops, reinforced by the Sector 3 Main Force, stood their ground with remarkable gallantry, repelling the attack in a counter-offensive that left scores of terrorists dead.
Despite the surprise use of drone munitions and sustained mortar bombardment, the soldiers held defensive positions and engaged the insurgents in intense close-quarter combat, backed by air support from Nigerien fighter platforms.
According to military sources, the joint air-ground coordination proved decisive, as fleeing terrorists were tracked and neutralized in follow-on air interdiction strikes by the Nigerian and Nigerien Air Forces.
A post-battle sweep of the area confirmed the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, including five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, RPG bombs, hand grenades, and four armed drone bombs.
A few personnel from the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the encounter but have since been evacuated for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities hailed the operation as a resounding victory, emphasizing that ongoing exploitation in the Tumbuns waterways aims to track down escaping fighters and deny them any safe haven.
“The gallantry, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the troops exemplify the Nigerian Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the North East,” the statement read.
With morale high and coordination tight among the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) partners, security observers say the battle at Mallam Fatori underscores Nigeria’s growing edge in drone-era counterterrorism warfare.