Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled an early-morning terrorist attempt to infiltrate the Bitta district of Borno State from the Mandara Mountains.
The military killed numerous rebels and significantly reduced their operating capability.
According to a post on the Nigerian Army X handle by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, when troops, aided by advanced surveillance systems, detected the movement of terrorists advancing toward the area.
The forces exercised tactical discipline, allowing the insurgents to move into an effective combat range before launching synchronized defensive fire.
Uba wrote, “During the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were neutralized, including a senior terrorist fighter and his cameraman.
“As the remaining elements attempted to retreat, the Air Component of OPHK carried out precision strikes, further decimating the fleeing insurgents and disrupting their withdrawal routes.
“Following the engagement, ground troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and recovered a cache of terrorist weapons and logistics. Items recovered included a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.”
The statement added that further searches revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, suggesting additional casualties inflicted on the terrorists during the ground engagement and subsequent air strikes.
“Troops’ morale remains high as OPHK continues sustained operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect communities within the area of responsibility.
“The operation underscores the military’s resolve to decisively defeat terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across Nigeria’s Northeast region,” Uba added.
