Troops repel ISWAP attack on Bitta, expose deep-rooted terror collaboration network
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an orchestrated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising scores and forcing the terrorists into a hasty withdrawal, in what could have been a devastating raid on Bitta, a community nestled in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State,
Zagazola Makama report that Preliminary findings following the July 21 offensive reveal that the assault was masterminded by a prominent ISWAP Qaid and executed by fighters infiltrating from the Sambisa Forest axis.
However, swift and gallant action by Nigerian troops prevented the attackers from breaching Bitta town, a strategic civilian-populated location in southern Borno.
The troops’ performance was hailed by local leaders and residents alike. The Chairman of Gwoza LGA described their defense as “gallant and impressive,” citing the prevention of widespread infiltration as a major success.
Yet beneath the battlefield triumph lies a disturbing undercurrent, the apparent complicity of terrorist collaborators and sympathisers embedded within Bitta.
Credible intelligence gathered during and after the attack indicates that most of the looting and burning within the town were not directly perpetrated by the terrorists themselves, but by suspected local sympathisers acting on their behalf.
Additionally, informants within Bitta reportedly provided ISWAP with sensitive information on troop movement and routines, compromising the integrity of defensive operations and suggesting an urgent need for internal security sanitisation.
Tragically, one civilian casualty initially believed to be unintended has now been identified as a suspected ISWAP collaborator. His death resulted from a stray bullet during the chaos.
Despite these challenges, troops managed to kill several ISWAP fighters in the ensuing firefight. As is customary with ISWAP operations, the attackers evacuated their casualties to conceal their losses. One terrorist corpse was recovered, while others are believed to have been transported back to their stronghold.
In a significant intelligence gain, troops recovered a camcorder used by the terrorists’ in-house propaganda unit. The device, which belonged to a now-deceased ISWAP cameraman, is expected to contain valuable operational footage and communications.
The ISWAP fighters withdrew to the Sabil Huda axis in Sambisa Forest, an area now under close surveillance for potential follow-up air and ground interdiction operations.
Military analysts describe the early deployment of reinforcement, as well as the prompt visit to the frontline by the Brigade Commander and Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), as an exemplary display of leadership and morale boosting for troops under pressure.
However, security authorities are warning that the threat in and around Bitta remains active, especially with the discovery of terrorist collaborators. Vigilance and continuous intelligence gathering are paramount to forestall future attacks.
