Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted an attempted terrorist infiltration from the Mandara Mountains into Bitta, neutralising several insurgents, including a senior commander, in a coordinated ground and air operation.
In a statement, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI Lieut. Col. Sani Uba said the incident occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2025, when troops, supported by advanced surveillance assets, detected terrorist elements advancing towards the community. Military sources said the troops exercised tactical restraint, allowing the attackers to move into effective engagement range before launching a coordinated defensive response.
During the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were killed, including a key commander and his cameraman. As the remaining fighters attempted to retreat, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes, further degrading the group and disrupting their withdrawal routes.
A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, equipment and logistics. Items recovered included a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 loaded AK-47 magazines, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
Military sources also confirmed the discovery of blood trails and shallow graves, suggesting additional casualties inflicted on the terrorists during the ground engagement and follow-on air strikes.
The military said troop morale remains high as sustained operations continue to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and safeguard communities within the theatre of operations.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to decisively defeating all terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria’s North-East region.
