Nigeria, March 18 -- Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a night attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Mallam Fatori, killing more than 60 insurgents, including key commanders.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Army said the attack occurred around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday when the terrorists advanced on foot from the Duguri axis, supported by multiple armed drones, in an attempt to breach the 68 Battalion's Main Defensive Area.

Vigilant troops, however, detected the movement early and responded with what officials described as overwhelming firepower, the statement read.

In a joint operation involving ground forces and air components, the military engaged the attackers in a fierce ...