Maiduguri – Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully foiled an early-morning infiltration attempt by terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains into Bitta, delivering a significant blow to insurgent operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, followed the detection of suspicious terrorist movement by troops supported with advanced surveillance systems. Acting with tactical discipline, the soldiers allowed the insurgents to move into an effective engagement range before launching a coordinated and overwhelming defensive response.
Military sources confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, including a top key terrorist fighter and his cameraman, a development considered a major setback to the group’s propaganda and operational structure.
As the surviving terrorists attempted to retreat, the Air Component of OPHK carried out precision follow-on strikes, further decimating the fleeing elements and cutting off their escape routes.
Following the successful engagement, ground troops conducted a detailed exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of a cache of terrorist weapons and logistics.
Items recovered include:
• a camcorder,
• AK-47 rifles,
• bandoliers and handheld radios,
• 11 AK-47 magazines loaded with rounds,
• 7 mobile phones,
• PKT machine guns,
• belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition,
• motorcycles and bicycles.
Troops also discovered multiple blood trails and shallow graves, suggesting additional terrorist casualties sustained during the firefight and subsequent air strikes.
The military said the outcome of the operation has further boosted troops’ morale and fighting efficiency, as OPHK continues to deny terrorists freedom of action across its area of responsibility.
Security sources noted that sustained ground-air coordination remains critical in dismantling terrorist networks operating from difficult terrains such as the Mandara Mountains.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to decisively defeating all terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East region.
Residents of surrounding communities have been urged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely intelligence to help prevent future attacks.
The foiled infiltration into Bitta underscores the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy in the North-East. With improved surveillance, coordinated firepower and sustained operations, OPHK continues to weaken terrorist capabilities and protect vulnerable communities.
