Troops crush terrorists’ infiltration from Mandara Mountains

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an early-morning infiltration attempt by terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains towards Bitta, neutralising several fighters and weakening the group’s operational strength.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on December 18, 2025.

The statement explained that troops, aided by advanced surveillance assets, detected suspicious movement as terrorists attempted to advance into the area.

” Exercising tactical restraint and professionalism, the troops allowed 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 subsequently conducted by the Air Component of OPHK, further decimating the retreating elements and disrupting their escape routes,” the statement said.

The military said troops subsequently carried out extensive exploitation operations in the area, which led to the recovery of several weapons, equipment and logistics believed to belong to the terrorists.

” Items recovered include 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.

“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,” the statement added.