Troops of Operation HADIN KAI kill a top terrorist leader and his cameraman in Borno after foiling a midnight infiltration attempt. Weapons and logistics recovered
Terrorist Leader, Cameraman Killed as Troops Foil Deadly Base Infiltration in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have killed a notorious terrorist leader, his cameraman, and several other insurgents during a foiled infiltration attempt on a military base in Bitta, Borno State.
The successful operation occurred in the early hours of Thursday, December 18, 2025, following credible intelligence and advanced surveillance, according to a statement released on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the military, the terrorists, who were operating from the rugged Mandara Mountains, attempted to infiltrate the military location under the cover of darkness but were swiftly detected.
“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 said.
Displaying what the military described as tactical restraint and professionalism, the troops reportedly allowed the insurgents to move closer before unleashing coordinated defensive fire, leading to devastating consequences for the attackers.
“Exercising tactical restraint and professionalism, the troops allowed the terrorists to move into an effective engagement range before unleashing coordinated defensive fires. The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of several insurgents, including a key terrorist leader and his cameraman,” the statement added.
As the surviving terrorists attempted to retreat, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was deployed, conducting precision air strikes that further decimated the fleeing insurgents and blocked their escape routes.
A post-operation exploitation of the area yielded a cache of terrorist weapons, communication gadgets, and logistics, underscoring the scale of the foiled attack.
Recovered items include a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles.
“Further exploitation revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicative of additional casualties sustained by the terrorists during the encounter and subsequent air strikes,” the statement noted.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East, assuring residents that operations will continue to deny insurgents freedom of action and safeguard communities.
“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue to ensure the safety and security of communities within the area of responsibility,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba said.
