Abuja – Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted an early-morning attempt by terrorists operating from the Mandara Mountains to infiltrate Bitta, neutralising several insurgents and dealing a significant blow to their operational capability. The incident occurred at about 0030 hours on 18 December 2025, when troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected the movement of terrorists advancing towards the area.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the troops exercised tactical restraint and professionalism, allowing the terrorists to move into an effective engagement range before unleashing coordinated defensive fires. The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of several insurgents, including a top key terrorist fighter and his cameraman.
As the surviving terrorists attempted to withdraw, follow-on precision strikes were conducted by the Air Component of OPHK, further decimating the retreating elements and disrupting their escape routes. Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area, recovering significant terrorist equipment and logistics, including a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines with rounds, 7 mobile phones, PKT machine guns, several belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
Further exploitation revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicative of additional casualties sustained by the terrorists during the encounter and subsequent air strikes. The troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety and security of communities within the area of responsibility.
“Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region,” Uba said.
