Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted an attempted infiltration by terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains into Bitta, neutralising several insurgents during a coordinated land and air operation.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on December 18, 2025.
He said troops, supported by surveillance assets, detected the movement of the terrorists as they advanced towards the area and tactically allowed them to move into an effective engagement range before opening fire.
“The coordinated defensive fire by the troops resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, including a key fighter and his cameraman,” the statement said.
Lt.-Col. Uba added that as the remaining terrorists attempted to retreat, the Air Component of OPHK carried out precision strikes, further degrading the fleeing elements and disrupting their withdrawal.
He disclosed that a follow-up exploitation of the area led to the recovery of assorted weapons, equipment and logistics belonging to the terrorists. Items recovered include AK-47 rifles, magazines with ammunition, PKT machine guns, bandoliers, handheld radios, mobile phones, a camcorder, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
The statement noted that additional signs, including blood trails and shallow graves, suggested that the terrorists suffered more casualties during the encounter and subsequent air strikes.
Lt.-Col. Uba said troops’ morale remains high as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect communities within the area of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustaining offensive operations aimed at defeating terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North-East region.
