UPDATE: Troops kill three top ISWAP commanders in failed Mallam Fatori attack

UPDATE: Troops kill three top ISWAP commanders in failed Mallam Fatori attack

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Hadin Kai supported by the Air Component have reportedly eliminated three top commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) during the failed terrorist attack on Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

Impeccable sources told Zagazola Makama on Thursday that the commanders, identified as Amir Abu Ali Weldone, Amir Ibunu, and Amir Abu Waldume, were among those neutralised during the four-hour firefight at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mallam Fatori.

According to the sources, the slain commanders played key operational roles in ISWAP’s hierarchy, with Abu Ali Wadume believed to be in charge of terrorist operations in Kerenoa axis near the Nigeria–Niger border.

The sources confirmed that the terrorists launched the coordinated attack from the Kaniram axis in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting troops.

They advanced in large numbers using armed drones and heavy weaponry, including Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGLs), but were met with stiff resistance from ground troops, supported by mortar and tank fire.

Troops were able to repel the assault after intense fighting, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

At least 12 terrorists were confirmed killed, with the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, three general purpose machine guns (GPMGs), two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and several explosive devices.

Sources further exploitation and battle damage assessment are still ongoing, but the confirmed killing of the three Amirs is a significant operational success,” he source.

UPDATE: Troops kill three top ISWAP commanders in failed Mallam Fatori attack