Nigerian Army personnel during an operation | File photo
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed at least 60 insurgents in a fierce overnight encounter in Bita area of Borno state.
The attack began around 1:09am on Friday when the insurgents assaulted troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade.
In a post on X, the Nigerian Army described the operation as “decisive and coordinated”, adding that a land and air assault obliterated the terrorists.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita, Borno State, in the early hours of today,” the statement reads.
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“The intense battle resulted in the neutralization of at least 60 terrorists.”
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the troops engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight that lasted until approximately 3:23am.
The air component deployed A-29 Super Tucanos and the Dragon platform, providing real-time aerial support and precision strikes.
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Quoting military sources, the publication said at least 60 terrorists were killed with two enemy gun trucks destroyed.
Ground forces then commenced immediate exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group.
“The battle is still ongoing with follow-up strikes targeting retreating terrorist groups. Additional two gun trucks have been confirmed destroyed as air platforms re-engaged the fleeing insurgents,” Zagazola quoted one source as saying.
“This operation marks one of the most decisive and devastating hits against ISWAP in recent months.”
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