Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed at least 61 suspected ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) militants during an operation in Borno State, according to security expert Zagazola Makama.

Makama, reporting on X on Monday, said the operation was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force and targeted assailants attempting to infiltrate Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area.

The clash occurred Wednesday morning as the militants advanced on foot and deployed armed drones in an effort to breach the defences of troops stationed at the 68 Battalion.

Military sources told Makama that the combination of air support and ground manoeuvres allowed troops to fix, target, and neutralize the attackers effectively.

“The integration of air and ground operations ensured that the terrorists were neutralised in large numbers,” the report said.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by OPHK to counter insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, where attacks by ISWAP and other militant groups have escalated in recent months.

The security situation in Borno has worsened recently, with several civilians reported killed in previous assaults by the group.

The Nigerian military continues to conduct joint air and ground operations to secure key towns and limit ISWAP movements in the region.

Authorities have called on local communities to cooperate with security forces to sustain gains and improve intelligence sharing.

This latest operation highlights the continued pressure by Nigerian troops on insurgent networks, aiming to restore stability in affected areas of Borno State.