Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Nigerian Army successfully repelled a dawn attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Malam Fatori, a strategic border town on the fringes of Lake Chad.

The attack, disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama on his X handle, occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, targeting the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar. Insurgents reportedly used armed drones, mortar shelling, and rapid ground movements in an attempt to overrun the military installation.

Troops, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), held their positions, reorganised, and launched a counteroffensive that forced the insurgents to retreat after a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Reinforcements from the main battalion and ground attack aircraft from the Nigerien contingent of the MNJTF joined the operation, targeting insurgent positions and neutralising several fighters.

The joint effort successfully repelled the assault, with troops maintaining high morale and operational control in the area. Security sources reported that fleeing insurgents were seen retreating toward the Tumbun waterways.