Nigerian Army Neutralizes 60 Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno Offensive

In a significant blow to extremist groups in Nigeria’s North-East, the Nigerian Army successfully neutralized at least 60 Boko Haram terrorists following a fierce engagement in Bita, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on Friday, May 30, 2025. The operation, which involved both ground troops and air support, underscores the military’s intensified efforts to degrade the capabilities of insurgents in the region.

According to a statement released by Nigerian Army spokesperson Onyinyechi Anele, gallant troops from Operation Hadin Kai launched a “decisive and coordinated simultaneous land and air assault” on terrorist positions in Bita during the early hours of the day. The intense battle resulted in heavy casualties for the terrorists as the military repelled an attack on a military base in the area.

This successful offensive is part of a series of renewed military operations aimed at restoring peace and security in Borno State, which has in recent months witnessed increased activities by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The military has been resolute in countering the terrorists’ attempts to regain ground and launch attacks on communities and military formations.

The May 30th encounter in Bita marks one of the most substantial successes for the military in recent times, following other significant operations earlier in the year, including airstrikes in January that reportedly killed over 30 terrorists in the Gwoza area and ground operations in May that neutralized 16 terrorists in Damboa.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, recently disclosed that over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized across Nigeria in the two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, a testament to the ongoing military pressure. Despite these successes, the region continues to grapple with the lingering threat of insurgency, necessitating sustained vigilance and robust military operations to ensure the safety of lives and properties and facilitate the return of displaced communities.