Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in a joint land and air offensive, have neutralised at least 60 terrorists in a fierce overnight encounter in Bita, Borno State, in what military sources have described as one of the most devastating blows dealt to the Boko Haram in recent times.
Zagazola Makama report that the coordinated attack began around 1:09 a.m. on Friday when terrorists launched an assault on troops, under the 26 Task Force Brigade of Sector One. The troops, with immediate support from air platforms, engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight lasting until approximately 3:23 a.m.
According to field updates obtained by Zagazola Makama, the Air Component swiftly deployed A-29 Super Tucanos, and the Dragon platform to provide real-time aerial support and precision strikes.
Military sources said at least 60 terrorists were neutralised in the initial engagement, with two enemy gun trucks destroyed. Ground forces also 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,” one of the sources told Zagazola.
“This operation marks one of the most decisive and devastating hits against ISWAP in recent months,” a senior military official said, noting the effectiveness of coordination between ground troops and air support in neutralising the threat.
