Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed two mobile policemen and a soldier on Wednesday in Malam Fatori.

The town is the headquarters of Abadam Local Government in Borno State.

The deceased were members of a joint security team conducting clearance operations in preparation for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The exercise was organized by Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, who mobilised about 500 security personnel as over 50,000 families prepare to return.

At the height of the insecurity in Abadam, Nigerians there fled to Bosso in Niger Republic.

Crack Team Commander, CSP Mohammed Ibrahim led the battle against the insurgents on trucks with anti-aircraft guns and motorcycles.

A military source told PRNigeria that combined efforts of policemen, soldiers, civil defence and civilian JTF members suppressed the assault.

“Unfortunately, we lost two MOPOL and one soldier during the battle which lasted for about one hour”, he added.

The attack occurred days after terrorists opened fire on Zulum’s convoy during his visit to the town.

Zulum wants refugees resettled in their homes by December 31, 2021, and all IDPs camps shut.

Malam Fatori, near Niger Republic, is one of ISWAP strongholds and allegedly hosts its Shura Council.

On Tuesday, ISWAP fighters in military uniforms kidnapped five civilians at Tamsukau along the Damaturu-Maiduguri road.