Troops Deal Major Blow to Terrorists, Recover Arms, Equipment in Bitta Clash

In a decisive overnight operation, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) repelled a terrorist infiltration attempt into Bitta, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents and capturing a significant cache of weapons and equipment.

The failed incursion occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 18 December 2025, when security forces, utilizing advanced surveillance, detected a group of terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains towards Bitta. Demonstrating tactical discipline, the ground troops held their fire, allowing the insurgents to move into an optimal engagement area before unleashing devastating defensive fire.

The initial assault neutralized several terrorists, including a high-value fighter and his cameraman. As the surviving attackers attempted to retreat, the Air Component of OPHK executed precision follow-on strikes, further decimating their ranks and blocking escape routes through the mountainous terrain.

A subsequent exploitation of the battlefield yielded substantial recoveries, underscoring the scale of the defeat inflicted on the terrorist group. Items seized include:

· Multiple AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns.
· A camcorder used for propaganda.
· 11 AK-47 magazines with ammunition.
· Several belts of linked PKT and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) ammunition.
· Bandoliers, handheld radios, and seven mobile phones.
· Motorcycles and bicycles used for mobility.

Military sources also reported discovering multiple blood trails and shallow graves at the scene, indicating that the terrorists suffered additional, unaccounted casualties during the ground and aerial bombardment.

“The morale and fighting efficiency of our troops remain exceptionally high,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI. “This operation has significantly degraded the enemy’s capability in this corridor. Our forces remain resolute in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of our communities.”