Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have killed a terrorist leader, his cameraman, and several other insurgents during a night operation in Borno State.
The development came as security forces repelled an attempted infiltration of a military base, dealing a significant blow to insurgent activity in the area.
The operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, was described as both swift and unexpected.
According to the military, the terrorists were advancing from the Mandara Mountains toward Bitta when they were detected by surveillance systems.
However, instead of launching an immediate response, the troops waited for the right moment before striking.
In a statement released on Friday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed that the insurgents were neutralised after moving into an effective firing range.
He said the encounter highlighted the growing strength and coordination of Nigerian forces in the North East.
“At about 0030 hours on 18 December 2025, troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected the movement of terrorists advancing towards the area,” the statement read.
Moreover, the troops were said to have acted with restraint before engaging decisively.
“Exercising tactical restraint and professionalism, the troops allowed the terrorists to move into an effective engagement range before unleashing coordinated defensive fires,” the statement added.
As a result, several insurgents were killed, including a key leader and his cameraman.
However, the operation did not end there. As surviving fighters attempted to flee, further action was taken to prevent their escape.
“As the surviving terrorists attempted to withdraw, follow-on precision strikes were subsequently conducted by the Air Component of OPHK,” the statement said.
Therefore, the retreating elements were heavily disrupted.
Following the clashes, troops searched the area and recovered a cache of weapons and equipment.
Items found included a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 magazines loaded with ammunition, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, and linked GPMG rounds.
In addition, motorcycles and bicycles believed to be used for movement were seized.
Furthermore, troops discovered blood trails and shallow graves during the sweep. These findings, according to the military, point to additional casualties suffered by the terrorists during the ground battle and air strikes.
Meanwhile, the military said morale among the troops remains high as operations continue across the region. “Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action,” the statement noted.
The Operation HADIN KAI offensive is part of ongoing efforts to weaken insurgent networks and restore stability in Borno and neighbouring states.
Consequently, security officials believe sustained pressure will further limit the ability of terrorists to regroup or launch attacks.
