Troops Crush Terrorist Infiltration From Mandara Mountains Into Bitta

By Tgnews Reporter

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) thwarted a bold infiltration attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists descending from the rugged Mandara Mountains into Bitta community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, eliminating a senior commander, his propagandist cameraman, and several fighters.

The fierce engagement unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, December 18, around 12:30 a.m., when advanced surveillance systems detected the armed insurgents advancing toward the area. Demonstrating remarkable tactical discipline, the troops held fire, allowing the terrorists to enter optimal engagement range before unleashing coordinated defensive firepower.

“We detected the movement early and allowed the terrorists to move into an effective engagement range,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East). “Once in position, our forces launched a coordinated defensive operation that neutralised several insurgents, including a key commander and his cameraman.”

As remnants of the terrorist group fled back toward their mountain hideouts, the Air Component of OPHK delivered precision airstrikes, further decimating the retreating elements and sealing off escape routes.

A subsequent sweep of the battlefield yielded a significant haul of weapons and equipment, including AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, bandoliers with linked ammunition, 11 magazines, motorcycles, bicycles, handheld radios, mobile phones, and a camcorder—likely used for propaganda footage.

Multiple blood trails and hastily dug shallow graves at the site pointed to heavy additional casualties among the terrorists.

“The operation demonstrates the professionalism, discipline, and efficiency of our troops,” Lt. Col. Uba emphasized. “Morale remains high as we continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety and security of communities within our area of responsibility.”

This latest success underscores the sustained momentum of Operation HADIN KAI in dismantling remnant insurgent networks in Nigeria’s North-East, prioritizing civilian protection while pursuing the total defeat of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements hiding in border regions like the Mandara Mountains.

“The safety of civilians and the restoration of stability remain our top priorities,” the military affirmed. “We remain resolute in our commitment to eliminate all threats posed by terrorists in the North-East.”