Nigerian Military crushes Boko Haram: 61 terrorists wiped out in fierce Borno battle

Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Nigerian Military has achieved a major success with the elimination of more than 61 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Malam Fatori axis of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security publication in the region, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), working closely with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), neutralised the insurgents during a foiled infiltration attempt in Abadam Local Government Area. Images of the operation have flooded social media, with military leaders praising the troops.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Oloyude, is currently in Borno to encourage forces battling the insurgents. Sources disclosed that the terrorists launched the attack early Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in a desperate bid to breach defences at the 68 Battalion location.

The assault, which came through Bravo Company’s frontage from the Duguri area, was met with overwhelming firepower and superior coordination between ground forces and air components. Precision airstrikes supported troops in a fierce battle that inflicted heavy casualties.

“Our forces executed four highly effective air interdiction strikes on enemy concentrations, decimating their fighting capability. The synergy between air and land forces denied the terrorists freedom of movement and forced a disorderly withdrawal toward the Arege area,” an officer said.

Additional strike support from allied Nigerien air assets compounded pressure on the fleeing insurgents, though battle damage assessment is ongoing. Four Nigerian soldiers sustained minor injuries during the engagement and have since been stabilised.