Nigerian troops have killed 48 suspected terrorists in Borno and Yobe States. They achieved this after repelling coordinated attacks on two military positions.
The attacks began on Thursday night, October 29. However, the engagements continued into Friday morning, October 30. Troops under Operation Hadin Kai led the response.
According to the military, the insurgents targeted two locations. The first was Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Meanwhile, the second was the North-East Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
In response, troops launched ground and air operations. Consequently, they forced the attackers to retreat.
Troops Kill 48 Terrorists After Five-Hour Battle
Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, provided details of the engagements.
He said troops first repelled an attack in Bitta on Thursday night. During the confrontation, ground forces received air support. This helped them disrupt the insurgents’ advance.
Meanwhile, another attack targeted the military training facility in Buni Yadi. ISWAP fighters launched the assault. According to the military, the battle lasted about five hours and extended into Friday morning.
To counter the attackers, the military deployed intelligence and surveillance systems. It also used air and ground units. As a result, troops defeated the insurgents.
Following the operation, the military reported that troops killed 48 terrorists. Additionally, they recovered several weapons and ammunition.
The recovered items included 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns and four general-purpose machine guns. Troops also recovered one 60mm mortar.
Furthermore, the recovery team found 105 AK-47 magazines and two video cameras. The military also reported recovering thousands of ammunition rounds.
However, the operation came at a cost. One soldier died during the engagements. Two others sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical attention.
ISWAP Attacks Raise Fresh Security Concerns
The latest attacks highlight the continuing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East.
For years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have targeted military positions across the region. Despite repeated counter-insurgency operations, both groups continue to launch attacks.
Similarly, Reuters reported on Friday that attacks on military positions had increased in recent weeks. This development has renewed concerns about security in the region.
Meanwhile, Operation Hadin Kai continues to target insurgent networks. Its strategy includes ground offensives, air operations and intelligence gathering.
Although the latest operation recorded reported successes, the threat remains. Repeated attacks show that insurgents can still target military installations.
Therefore, protecting military formations remains a major priority. Authorities must also safeguard vulnerable communities. Ultimately, sustained security operations will be necessary to restore stability across the North-East.
