In a significant counter-insurgency operation, Nigerian military forces have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists into Bitta, a community in Borno State. The decisive action resulted in the elimination of several insurgents, including a key commander.
Coordinated Defence Thwarts Infiltration
The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 18, 2025. According to a statement from the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops utilising advanced surveillance systems detected the movement of terrorists from the Mandara Mountains towards Bitta.
Demonstrating tactical patience, the soldiers allowed the advancing group to enter an optimal engagement zone. They then unleashed a coordinated defensive fire, catching the insurgents by surprise. This initial ground engagement proved highly effective.
Air Strikes and Significant Recoveries
As surviving terrorists attempted to retreat from the firefight, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was called in. Precision air strikes were conducted, further decimating the fleeing elements and disrupting their planned escape routes from the area.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the location. This exploitation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, equipment, and logistics. Items seized include:
- Multiple AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns
- 11 AK-47 magazines, fully loaded
- Bandoliers and several belts of linked PKT and GPMG ammunition
- Handheld radios and seven mobile phones
- Motorcycles and bicycles used for movement
- A camcorder, reportedly belonging to a neutralised terrorist cameraman
Lieutenant Colonel Uba also noted that further exploitation revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicating that the terrorists sustained additional casualties beyond those immediately counted.
Sustained Pressure and High Morale
The military spokesman affirmed that the morale and combat efficiency of the troops remain high. He stated that ongoing operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action, thereby ensuring the safety of communities within the troops' Area of Responsibility.
"Troops of Operation Hadin Kai remained resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East region," Uba emphasised.
In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged personnel to sustain pressure on banditry and other security threats through smart operations. He gave this charge during his maiden operational visit to the Air Training Command in Kaduna, directing commanders to maintain the highest levels of readiness.
