In one of the most significant military victories in recent months, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have killed at least 60 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents during a fierce overnight operation in Bita, Borno State.
The Nigerian Army announced the success on Friday, describing the operation as a “decisive and coordinated” land-air assault that began shortly after 1:00 a.m. when insurgents launched an attack on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade.
According to a statement posted on the Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the operation was swiftly countered with precision airstrikes and aggressive ground maneuvers, overwhelming the terrorists in what military sources are calling a strategic breakthrough in the counterinsurgency campaign in the Northeast.
“Gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita, resulting in the neutralisation of no fewer than 60 terrorists,” the Army said.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also confirmed its involvement, noting that its Air Component played a pivotal role by targeting fleeing insurgents with precision-guided strikes.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, described the offensive as “one of the most decisive blows against terrorist elements in recent times.”
“In the early hours of May 30, 2025, NAF combat aircraft engaged terrorist elements fleeing their hideouts in Bita, neutralizing scores of fighters. The highly coordinated air operation, executed under the cover of darkness, marks a significant step in degrading the enemy’s operational capacity,” the statement read.
Ground forces have since launched mop-up and exploitation operations to secure the area and prevent the regrouping of surviving elements. The military has not disclosed if any troops were injured or killed during the confrontation.
The successful operation underscores the growing synergy between ground and air components of Nigeria’s counterterrorism forces. It also reflects a renewed military posture in the fight against terrorism, amid heightened concerns over insurgent mobility along the Lake Chad axis.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting civilians, assuring Nigerians that “no safe haven will be left for terrorists within the country.”
This latest victory comes as the military continues to ramp up intelligence-driven offensives, often carried out with the aid of real-time surveillance and drone coordination.
Observers believe continued pressure on these insurgent strongholds is key to breaking their logistics and recruitment chain.
