In a decisive overnight operation, Nigerian military forces thwarted a significant terrorist infiltration attempt into a community in Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.
Pre-Dawn Ambush Thwarts Infiltration
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, December 18, 2025. Troops from Operation Hadin Kai, utilizing advanced surveillance systems, detected a group of terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains towards the Bitta community at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Military sources revealed that the troops employed a tactical maneuver, deliberately allowing the insurgents to enter a pre-determined engagement zone. Once the terrorists were within the optimal range, the soldiers unleashed a devastating and coordinated barrage of defensive fire.
Key Fighter and Cameraman Neutralized
The initial ambush was highly effective, neutralizing several attackers on the spot. Among those killed was a top terrorist fighter and his accompanying cameraman, indicating the group's intention to document the attack for propaganda purposes.
As the surviving insurgents attempted to flee the scene, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was called in. They conducted follow-on precision strikes, further decimating the retreating forces and preventing their escape.
Significant Cache of Weapons Recovered
After securing the area, troops conducted a thorough exploitation, recovering a substantial arsenal of weapons and equipment abandoned by the terrorists. The recovered items included:
- Multiple AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns
- Bandoliers and several belts of PKT and GPMG-linked ammunition
- Hand-held communication radios
- A camcorder used by the slain terrorist cameraman
- Motorcycles and bicycles used for mobility
Furthermore, soldiers tracing the area found multiple blood trails and discovered shallow graves, clear evidence that the terrorists suffered many more casualties than initially observed and attempted to hide their losses.
This successful defensive operation underscores the continued vigilance of Nigerian troops in the North-East and represents a significant setback for terrorist elements attempting to infiltrate and attack communities in Borno State.
