The Nigerian Army forces of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have thwarted a terrorist attempt to infiltrate the town of Bitta from the Mandara Mountains, neutralising several insurgents and seizing a cache of weapons and equipment.
According to the Joint Task Force (North‑East) media officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops supported by advanced surveillance detected the movement of a terrorist group heading toward Bitta in the pre‑dawn hours.
“The troops exercised tactical restraint, allowing the insurgents to advance into engagement range before delivering coordinated defensive fire,” Col. Uba said.
The engagement resulted in the death of a key terrorist commander and his cameraman, as well as several other fighters.
As the remaining attackers attempted to withdraw, the OPHK air component carried out precision strikes that further disrupted the retreat and destroyed additional enemy personnel.
A subsequent ground sweep yielded a substantial haul of weapons and logistical items, including:
– One camcorder
– AK‑47 rifles and 11 loaded magazines
– PKT machine guns and linked ammunition belts
– Seven mobile phones
– Handheld radios
– Motorcycles and bicycles
Investigators also discovered blood trails and shallow graves in the area, indicating additional casualties among the terrorists.
The operation underscores the continued efforts of OPHK to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and to protect civilian communities in the north‑east.
“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as we continue to deny terrorists any safe haven and work toward lasting peace and stability across the region,” Lt. Col. Uba added.
Operation Hadin Kai, launched earlier this year, is part of a broader military campaign aimed at dismantling insurgent networks in the Lake Chad basin and the Mandara Mountains.
The success in Bitta follows a series of recent offensives that have reduced terrorist activity in several border districts.