In a decisive battlefield victory, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have neutralized three top commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a foiled attack on Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the high-ranking terrorists — Amir Abu Ali Weldone, Amir Ibunu, and Amir Abu Waldume — were killed during a fierce four-hour firefight near the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
According to intelligence reports, the terrorists launched a heavily coordinated assault from the Kaniram axis in the early hours of Wednesday, wielding armed drones, automatic grenade launchers, and other sophisticated weapons. Their objective: to overrun the military position in Mallam Fatori.
But Nigerian forces stood their ground.
With tanks, mortars, and air support pounding enemy lines, the troops repelled the insurgents, forcing them into a chaotic retreat. At least 12 terrorists were killed, and a cache of arms was recovered, including 7 AK-47 rifles, 3 GPMGs, 2 RPGs, and multiple explosive devices.
Amir Abu Ali Weldone, one of the slain commanders, was believed to be in charge of operations along the volatile Kerenoa axis near the Nigeria–Niger border — a major ISWAP stronghold.
A senior military source described the operation as a “significant strategic victory,” stating that further exploitation and battle damage assessment are ongoing.
This development marks a major blow to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capabilities in the Lake Chad region.