From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated no fewer than 60 Boko Haram terrorists in an overnight joint land and air operation in Bita, Borno State.
A security source, who confirmed this in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said the terrorists were overpowered during a fierce encounter at 1:09am yesterday.
The coordinated offensive, according to the source, involved troops under the 26 Task Force Brigade.
The source described it as one of the most devastating blows dealt to Boko Haram in recent times.
In a statement by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst in the North East, said troops, with immediate support from air platforms, engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight lasting until approximately 3:23am.
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 gun trucks have been destroyed, as air platforms re-engaged the fleeing insurgents,” one of the sources told Zagazola.
According to him, 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.
