Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised 16 terrorists, recovered assorted weapons and repelled coordinated attacks in Adamawa State.
The operations, conducted between September 30 and October 1, 2026, covered the Sector 4 Area of Operations and involved ground ambushes, a precision air strike and defensive engagements against terrorist incursions.
In the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, troops ambushed a terrorist enclave, neutralising 16 terrorists during the operation.
According to the Theatre Command, troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
Air Strike Destroys Terrorist Target
In a related operation, the Air Component of OPHK conducted a precision air strike after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected about 16 terrorists and 15 motorcycles concealed under a tree canopy in the Sector 4 area.
The terrorists were detected at about 4:40 a.m. on October 1, while the air interdiction was conducted around 5:30 a.m. after positive identification and target acquisition.
The Theatre Command said the strike recorded a direct hit, with subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirming the destruction of the target.
It added that the few surviving terrorists scattered from the area following the strike.
Three Soldiers Killed in Separate Attacks
Meanwhile, troops also repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents on 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and withdraw from the affected areas.
However, three soldiers were killed during the engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are receiving medical treatment.
Follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations are ongoing across the affected areas.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the operational successes were recorded amid efforts to strengthen joint integration and improve coordination among the land, air and other supporting components of the Theatre Command.
Goni said the renewed operational approach was focused on leveraging intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East.
He reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and creating conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development in the region.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The Theatre Command expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support and cooperation as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
