63 ISWAP Fighters Killed as Nigerian Troops Foil Drone-Assisted Assault in Borno

In a significant counterinsurgency victory in Nigeria’s North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have neutralised dozens of insurgents following a failed large-scale attack in Borno State.

According to Security sources cited by Global Mirror, at least 63 bodies of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were recovered after the terrorists attempted to infiltrate a Military formation in Malam Fatori, located in Abadam Local Government Area.

The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 17, 2026, reportedly involved coordinated ground movement and the deployment of armed drones—an indication of evolving tactics by insurgent groups in the Lake Chad region. The attackers advanced from the Duguri axis, targeting the 68 Battalion through the frontage of Bravo Company.

However, the operation was swiftly countered by Nigerian troops, who engaged the insurgents with superior firepower while receiving critical aerial support. Precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai disrupted enemy formations and inflicted heavy losses.

Military insiders revealed that the combined air-ground offensive not only repelled the attack but also forced surviving fighters to retreat in disarray toward the Arege axis. Follow-up clearance operations confirmed the recovery of 63 terrorist bodies scattered within and around the Malam Fatori Area, underscoring the scale of the defeat.

The latest development reflects the increasing coordination between Nigeria’s land and air forces in tackling insurgency, even as extremist groups continue to adapt their strategies with the use of advanced tools such as drones.

Security analysts note that while the victory is a tactical success, it also highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP and the need for sustained Military pressure and regional cooperation.