Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a major attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, involved more than 150 terrorists who launched a coordinated assault on the army's position from the Kaniram axis, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
The terrorists reportedly advanced on foot, firing Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGLs) and deploying armed drones against the troops' main defense area in an attempt to overrun the camp.
Four-Hour Battle for Control
Nigerian soldiers responded swiftly to the threat, utilizing mortars and tank fire to halt the attackers' advance, specifically targeting their entry points from the western side of the camp.
"After a heavy gun battle that lasted for about four hours, the terrorists managed to break into part of the IDP camp," according to reports shared on Thursday.
Despite this temporary breach, the troops quickly regrouped and employed superior firepower to push back the terrorists, ultimately forcing them to retreat in confusion.
Ongoing Security Challenges
This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where ISWAP and other terrorist groups continue to target vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons.
The Nigerian Army's Operation Hadin Kai continues to maintain vigilance in the region, working to protect civilian populations from terrorist threats.
BenriNews will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.