Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province at Bitta, dealing another setback to the insurgent group.
According to the military, the attempted attack occurred at Bitta in Sector 1 when ISWAP fighters reportedly tried to infiltrate a troop position in what officials described as a desperate move to regain momentum following recent battlefield losses.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Sani Uba, troops had anticipated the move and prepared what he described as a “decisive offensive-defensive battle plan.”
As the insurgents advanced toward the position, it was gathered that the troops launched coordinated spoiling operations that disrupted the attackers’ formation while manoeuvring to block potential withdrawal routes.
It was reported that the soldiers then engaged the fighters with what the military described as overwhelming resistance and superior firepower.
The insurgents were forced into a disorderly retreat after suffering significant casualties, according to the statement.
The military said the incident marks the third failed attack by the group within 24 hours.
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Earlier attempts were reportedly repelled at Banki and Azir Bridge, underscoring what officials described as sustained operational pressure by troops across the theatre of operations.
The military said troops remain firmly in control of all positions and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale and coordinated offensive action.
The Military High Command also commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to maintain the operational tempo in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military’s joint task force responsible for combating insurgency in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, where militant groups have operated for more than a decade.
