Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Bitta, Military Says

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East say they have repelled an attempted infiltration by fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bitta, Borno State.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred when suspected ISWAP fighters attempted to infiltrate a military position in Bitta, located in Sector 1 of the operation’s area of responsibility.

The statement said troops had anticipated the move and prepared a defensive response. As the attackers advanced, soldiers launched coordinated counter-actions that disrupted the assault and blocked possible escape routes.

The military said the fighters were met with heavyresistance and superior firepower, forcing them to retreat while suffering casualties.

It added that the attempted infiltration followed two other failed attacks by suspected militants in Banki and at Azir Bridge within the last 24 hours.

The military high command commended the troops for their actions and urged them to maintain pressure on militant groups across the region.