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At least 80 insurgents have been killed after Nigerian troops repelled a coordinated assault on a military base in northeastern Borno State, according to the country’s military.
The attackers, believed to be fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, launched the pre-dawn assault on Wednesday, March 19, targeting an army position in Mallam Fatori near the border with Niger.
Military officials said troops, supported by air power, successfully mounted what was described as an “offensive-defensive” operation to counter the attack.
Fighters reportedly advanced on foot and deployed armed drones during the assault. However, Nigerian forces responded with coordinated ground fire and precision airstrikes, forcing the insurgents to retreat.
The Nigerian Air Force carried out targeted strikes, while allied Nigerien jets pursued and bombed fleeing fighters.
The military confirmed that at least 80 insurgents, including three senior commanders, were killed in the operation, although independent verification of the figures remains pending.
Four soldiers sustained injuries during the clash and have since been evacuated for medical treatment.
Security forces also recovered a large cache of weapons from the scene, including assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, machine guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and drone components.
The latest attack comes amid a surge in violence in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Maiduguri, the region’s capital and a key military stronghold.
Earlier this week, multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others, highlighting a shift in tactics by insurgent groups.
Authorities say the increased attacks reflect attempts by militant groups to counter intensified military operations aimed at dismantling their networks.
The insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has persisted for over 17 years, with Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP continuing to stage attacks on military bases and civilian populations.
Security agencies say operations are ongoing to assess damage and prevent further assaults, as efforts intensify to stabilise the region.
