Troops Foil Terrorist Infiltration Attempt in Bitta, Neutralise Key Commander
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled an early-morning attempt by terrorists operating from the Mandara Mountains to infiltrate Bitta, dealing a major setback to the insurgents’ operational capability.
The encounter occurred in the early hours of 18 December 2025 when OPHK troops, supported by advanced surveillance assets, detected suspicious movements of terrorists advancing toward the community. Demonstrating tactical discipline and professionalism, the troops allowed the insurgents to move into an effective engagement range before launching a coordinated defensive assault.
The ensuing firefight led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, including a high-value commander and his cameraman. As the surviving insurgents attempted to flee, the Air Component of OPHK executed precision follow-on strikes, further decimating the retreating elements and disrupting their escape routes.
Subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of a cache of terrorist weapons, equipment, and logistics. Items recovered include a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines fully loaded with ammunition, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, multiple belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
Further assessment of the battlefield revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicating additional casualties inflicted on the terrorists during both the ground engagement and the air strikes.
Troops’ morale remains high as sustained operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect communities within the Area of Responsibility. Operation HADIN KAI has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to decisively degrading terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria’s North-East region.
Troops Foil Terrorist Infiltration Attempt in Bitta, Neutralise Key Commander