Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have once again demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and superior combat capability by decisively foiling coordinated terrorist attacks across parts of Adamawa and Borno States, while inflicting heavy losses on fleeing terrorists during follow-up operations.
Revealing this in a press statement, Lieutenant Solomon A. Atokolo, Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, stated that in the early hours of 16 January 2026, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, under Sector 4 OPHK. Alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, supported by reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force.
The terrorists were successfully repelled without any casualty to own troops or equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack. The general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for Improvised Explosive Devices and booby traps to ensure civilian and troop safety.
In a related development on the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The attackers initially attempted to breach part of the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from gallant troops, with support from the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced to withdraw.
During the engagement, terrorists’ Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire affected Troop Carrying Vehicles and the CCTV control room, which were partially gutted by fire. Despite this, troops maintained firm control of the situation. Several terrorist weapons and ammunition were recovered, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds, and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Crucially, the engagement did not end at the FOB. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms immediately tracked the fleeing terrorists, enabling follow-up operations along identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK. Precision strikes by Nigerian Air Force platforms resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of terrorists, dealing a severe blow to the group’s fighting strength and morale. Evidence from exploitation confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties.
The sacrifices of personnel underscore the overall commitment of troops in securing lives and property. Troops of OPHK remain resolute and unwavering in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks, and protect the integrity of the North East region. Operations will continue until all threats are eliminated
