Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed at least 48 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and repelled coordinated attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe States respectively.
The attacks began at about 9pm on Thursday, with insurgents launching an assault on troops stationed in Buni Yadi that continued into the early hours of Friday.
According to a statement by Mohammed Goni,
Acting Media Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai, on Friday, foiling their attacks on military positions in Bitta, Gwoza LGA of Borno State and North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State between 29 and 30 October 2026.
In Bitta, troops decisively disorganised an attempted terrorist assault on the night of 29 October 2026. The combined response of ground troops and air support overwhelmed the attackers, thwarting their plan and inflicting heavy casualties.
Goni said a combined counter-offensive involving ground forces, fighter aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets forced the attackers to retreat, leaving behind 48 bodies.
One soldier was killed during the engagement, while two others sustained injuries.
Troops also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60-millimetre mortar and 105 AK-47 magazines.
‘The decisive counter-offensive resulted in 48 terrorists killed, with troops recovering a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. Recovered items include 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), one 60mm mortar, 105 AK-47 magazines and two video cameras.
‘Also recovered were 30 rounds of 12.7mm armour-piercing incendiary ammunition, 2,738 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 2,054 rounds of PKT ammunition.
Two video cameras were also recovered, and two soldiers were wounded during the encounter.