ISWAP attack foiled as Operation Hadin Kai troops repel militants at Bitta in Borno, marking the third terrorist setback in 24 hours

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province at Bitta in Sector 1, delivering what military authorities described as another decisive setback to the terrorist group.

Also read: Troops arrest suspected militia member in Benue

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force.

According to the statement, the militants launched the attack in a bid to regain momentum after suffering a series of recent battlefield losses.

“The failed attack occurred when ISWAP terrorists, in a desperate bid to regain the initiative after recent battlefield setbacks, attempted to infiltrate the troops’ location,” the statement said.

“Unknown to the terrorists, vigilant OPHK troops had anticipated the move and deliberately prepared a decisive offensive-defensive battle plan.”

Military authorities explained that as the insurgents advanced toward the troops’ position, soldiers launched coordinated spoiling operations that disrupted the attackers’ formation while manoeuvring to block possible escape routes.

“The attackers were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and superior firepower, forcing them into a chaotic withdrawal while suffering significant losses,” the statement added.

The operation marks the third defeat suffered by ISWAP within a 24-hour period, following earlier failed attacks at Banki and Azir Bridge.

Military officials said the series of failed assaults reflects the sustained operational pressure being mounted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai across the North-East theatre.

“These successive setbacks further highlight the continued operational pressure being mounted by the troops of Operation HADIN KAI across the theatre, which has severely constrained the terrorists’ freedom of action and denied them any opportunity to exploit propaganda narratives,” the statement said.

The Joint Task Force confirmed that troops remain in full control of the affected locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale and coordinated offensive operations.

Also read: Troops strike back: Terrorist attack in Ngoshe thwarted successfully

The military high command also commended the soldiers for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational momentum in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the region.