Troops kill over 21 Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with a Special Tactical Team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have neutralised more than 21 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during a coordinated operation in Adamawa State.

The troops also dismantled the terrorists’ camp and recovered arms and ammunition during the operation in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area.

Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operation was conducted on August 27, 2026.

According to him, the joint force comprised personnel from the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

Goni said the troops acted on credible intelligence and carried out a stealth insertion into the area despite the difficult terrain before launching a precision strike on the terrorists’ camp in the early hours of Thursday.

He said the operation was part of sustained efforts to locate and rescue victims held by terrorist elements, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May and the Lassa schoolchildren kidnapped in June.

The military spokesman said the troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, killing more than 21 while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Following the operation, the troops took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed associated logistics infrastructure in an effort to further degrade the group’s operational capability.

During the exploitation of the area, several motorcycles, bicycles and jerry cans containing Premium Motor Spirit, believed to have been used for the terrorists’ logistics and mobility, were also destroyed.

The troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Goni said the operation demonstrated the joint force’s operational tempo, tactical proficiency, intelligence-gathering capability and combat effectiveness.

He added that it further showed the troops’ capacity to project combat power into difficult terrain, dismantle terrorist enclaves and deny the insurgents freedom of action.

The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation Hadin Kai troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.

It reaffirmed the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to continue pursuing and degrading terrorist elements wherever they seek refuge.

The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, also assured Nigerians that intelligence-driven operations would continue to locate and rescue abducted persons, dismantle terrorist strongholds and destroy their logistics.

The theatre command said the operations would be sustained until all abducted persons were located and rescued, while efforts continued to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.