Borno: Troops recover weapons, explosives during exploitation after foiled terrorist attack in Bitta
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered arms, ammunition and explosive devices during exploitation operations following a failed attack by suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists on a military position in Bitta.
Security sources said the recovery was made after troops of 114 Battalion (Mechanised) and 199 Special Forces Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration of their location by the insurgents late Saturday morning .
According to the sources, following the withdrawal of the terrorists towards the Damboa–Sambisa Forest axis, troops immediately mobilised and commenced an exploitation operation at first light on March 14 to track the fleeing insurgents and secure the surrounding area.
The exploitation patrol, which was led by the Commanding Officer of the 114 Battalion, covered the suspected withdrawal route and nearby locations around the military base.
During the operation, troops discovered traces of blood stains along the escape route, suggesting that some of the fleeing terrorists might have sustained gunshot wounds during the earlier engagement.
Security sources said the troops recovered several items abandoned by the insurgents in their hasty retreat.
Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, additional rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition with links, one FN rifle magazine containing 18 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, one hand grenade, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, and two 60mm mortar bombs.
Troops also recovered a camel-back hydration pack believed to belong to one of the fleeing terrorists.
The sources said the patrol was completed without further contact with the insurgents, while troops maintained dominance over the area to prevent any possible regrouping by the terrorists.
Military authorities said the successful exploitation operation further demonstrates the sustained operational pressure being mounted on insurgent groups operating around the Damboa–Sambisa corridor, one of the major strongholds previously used by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
They added that troops remain on high alert and will continue to conduct aggressive patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations to deny the terrorists freedom of movement in the area.
The general security situation across the theatre of operations, according to the sources, remains relatively calm but requires constant vigilance as troops sustain ongoing offensive and defensive operations across Borno State.
They noted that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops deployed in the theatre remain high as the military continues its efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North-East.
