By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a major terrorist infiltration attempt from the Mandara Mountains into Bitta, neutralising several insurgents, including a top terrorist commander, in a fierce early-morning engagement.
Confirming the operation, the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the incident occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2025, following credible surveillance intelligence.
“Our troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected the terrorists as they advanced toward Bitta and allowed them to move into an effective engagement range before delivering a coordinated defensive fire that neutralised several insurgents, including a key commander and his cameraman,” Uba said.
He disclosed that as the surviving terrorists attempted to flee, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI executed precision strikes that further decimated the retreating fighters and blocked their escape routes.
“Follow-on air strikes were immediately carried out, dealing a severe blow to the terrorists’ withdrawal plan and further degrading their operational capability,” he added.
Lt. Col. Uba said troops later carried out extensive exploitation of the area, recovering AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, GPMG ammunition, 11 loaded AK-47 magazines, bandoliers, handheld radios, seven mobile phones, a camcorder, motorcycles and bicycles.
According to him, blood trails and shallow graves discovered in the area indicated additional terrorist casualties.
“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain very high as ongoing operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and guarantee the safety of communities within our Area of Responsibility,” Uba stated.
Troops Repel Terrorists from Mandara Mountains, Kill Key Commander in Bitta Battle
