Nigerian Army Kills 60 Terrorists in Borno State as Operation Hadin Kai Intensifies Counter-Terrorism Efforts

 

In a powerful show of military strength, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of at least sixty terrorists in Bita, a town in Borno State, during a joint land and air operation under Operation Hadin Kai. This major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism in northern Nigeria was announced via the official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army Headquarters on Friday, May 30.

According to the army, the operation involved a coordinated assault by both ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force, targeting terrorist hideouts in Bita. This region, located in the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency, has long been a flashpoint of violence and terrorist activity.

Details of the Operation in Bita, Borno State

The brief but impactful post on the Nigerian Army's Facebook page stated:

“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita, Borno State, in the early hours of today. The intense battle resulted in the neutralization of at least 60 terrorists.”

This successful operation was the result of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, which pinpointed the location of the terrorists. Using this critical information, military strategists launched a well-planned offensive to dismantle the camps and neutralize the insurgents.

The phrase "neutralization" in military terminology refers to the complete destruction or incapacitation of enemy forces. In this case, the Nigerian Army made it clear that these terrorists were either killed or rendered incapable of continuing their criminal activities.

What Is Operation Hadin Kai?

Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign aimed at wiping out Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists from the North East region of Nigeria. It replaced the earlier Operation Lafiya Dole in 2021, with renewed tactics, expanded joint operations with the Air Force, and enhanced community relations.

The operation is a key part of the Nigerian government’s broader national security strategy, which prioritizes the elimination of terrorism, banditry, and other threats to internal peace and stability. Troops deployed under this operation often face dangerous missions in remote and heavily forested areas, such as the Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Basin, and towns like Bita, New Marte, and Gwoza.

Earlier Offensive in New Marte Also Yields Success

This recent success in Bita comes shortly after another significant military operation earlier in the week, in New Marte, located in the Marte Local Government Area, also in Borno State.

In that encounter, dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were eliminated during fierce clashes with Nigerian troops. These operations reflect a series of renewed offensives by the Nigerian military to reclaim territories still under the influence of extremist groups and to cut off their operational capabilities.

Unfortunately, two gallant Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in the New Marte battle. These fallen heroes are among many who have paid the supreme price in defense of their fatherland, and their sacrifice underscores the seriousness and danger of the anti-terrorism mission in the North East.

Terrorism in Borno State: Why It Matters

Borno State, located in the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, has remained the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009. The region has seen some of the worst atrocities committed by terrorists, including mass killings, village burnings, abductions of school children (like the Chibok girls), and bombings of markets and places of worship.

Despite government efforts over the years, the terrain and complex network of sympathizers and collaborators have made the fight particularly difficult. However, with the formation of Operation Hadin Kai, significant progress has been made. The operation has seen a combination of kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (dialogue, rehabilitation, and resettlement) strategies to tackle both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism.

The recent operation in Bita demonstrates that the military is not backing down. Rather, it is stepping up its game, delivering fatal blows to terrorist strongholds and disrupting their command structures.

Significance of the Military’s Success for National Security

Military victories such as this one go beyond numbers. They boost troop morale, build public confidence, and show that the Nigerian government is actively confronting threats to national peace.

Moreover, they send a strong message to insurgents that Nigeria’s armed forces are ready and capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty.

In addition, successful operations such as these help pave the way for:

• Resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs)

• Rebuilding of destroyed communities

• Revival of economic activities in liberated areas

• Restoration of civil authority and governance

Each liberated town or village gives hope to millions of Nigerians displaced by years of terror, especially in rural parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Military Losses: Honoring the Fallen Heroes

While the neutralization of over 60 terrorists is a great achievement, the loss of any soldier is a painful reminder of the cost of freedom and peace. The Nigerian Army acknowledged that two brave soldiers died during the offensive in New Marte.

Their deaths are a stark reminder that the war against terrorism continues to claim the lives of Nigeria’s finest. Their sacrifice, however, is not in vain. These heroes will be remembered for their courage, commitment, and patriotism.

The government and military authorities have repeatedly assured the families of fallen soldiers of continued support, including military pensions, family welfare programs, and special posthumous honors.

Community Support and Intelligence Gathering

Another key reason for the military's success in recent operations has been the cooperation from local communities, vigilante groups, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). These grassroots groups provide valuable intelligence and support to security forces operating in challenging terrain.

The Nigerian Army has urged more communities in Borno and surrounding states to come forward with useful information that can help in identifying and dismantling sleeper cells, informant networks, and supply lines used by terrorists.

What Lies Ahead for Operation Hadin Kai?

With the momentum of recent victories, the Nigerian Army is expected to launch more simultaneous operations across the North East. Analysts believe that the continuous pressure on terrorists will further degrade their capabilities and force more insurgents to surrender or flee.

Indeed, hundreds of former fighters have surrendered to troops in recent months, citing unbearable living conditions, fear of death, and the disintegration of leadership among the terrorist ranks.

The Nigerian government has set up de-radicalization and rehabilitation centers under the Operation Safe Corridor program to reintegrate those who surrender and renounce violence.

However, many Nigerians remain skeptical of this approach, arguing that justice must be served before reconciliation. The military, meanwhile, continues to assure the public that hardened criminals are being separated from repentant fighters, and that due process will be followed.

Final Thoughts: A Nation Moving Forward Against Terrorism

The recent neutralization of over 60 terrorists by the Nigerian Army in Borno State is a significant victory in the country's long and painful battle against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. It highlights the growing effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai and the resilience of the Nigerian armed forces.

While challenges remain, victories like this rekindle hope in a safer and more secure Nigeria, where citizens can live, work, and worship freely without fear.

At NaijaRush.com, we will continue to monitor developments in the fight against terrorism and keep our readers informed with accurate, SEO-optimized, and easy-to-understand updates from the frontlines.