Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully eliminated 60 terrorists during a joint overnight land and air offensive in Bita, Borno State.
A reliable military source confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, stating that the operation occurred at 1:09 a.m. on Friday following a fierce encounter.
The coordinated effort, involving troops from the 26 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), was launched in response to an attempted assault by terrorists on a military position.
In a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, @HQNigerianArmy, the operation was described as a major achievement in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and the Dragon platform, delivering precision strikes that destroyed two enemy gun trucks and neutralized multiple insurgents, according to the source.
“Over 60 terrorists were confirmed neutralised in the initial engagement, while ground forces commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements,” the source added.
The source also said that the follow-up airstrikes were ongoing, with additional gun trucks destroyed and several terrorists fleeing into surrounding forests.
Another senior military official, who spoke on anonymity, described the operation as “one of the most decisive and devastating hits against ISWAP in recent months,” commending the synergy between air and ground forces.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bita, situated in the Gwoza axis of southern Borno, has experienced a surge in terrorist activities in recent weeks, leading to heightened military operations in the region.