Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with a tactical team from the Office of the National Security Adviser, have neutralised more than 21 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a major offensive in Adamawa State.
The operation, carried out in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, also led to the dismantling of a terrorist camp and the recovery of arms and ammunition as troops intensified search-and-rescue operations for abducted victims.
The offensive was launched in the early hours of August 27 after troops acted on intelligence indicating the presence and activities of the terrorists in the mountainous area.
The joint force comprised personnel of the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of the 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State.
According to the military, the troops carried out a stealth operation through the difficult terrain before penetrating the terrorists’ enclave and launching a precision strike on the camp.
The operation was also linked to ongoing efforts to locate and rescue persons believed to be held by terrorist elements, including victims abducted from Mussa community in May and the Lassa schoolchildren abducted in June.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters after closing in on their camp.
“Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the military said.
The joint force subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the camp and destroyed infrastructure believed to have supported the logistics and operations of the terrorists.
Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were also destroyed during the exploitation of the location, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The military said the operation demonstrated the ability of the joint force to conduct intelligence-driven operations in difficult terrain and deny terrorist groups freedom of action.
“The successful operation underscores the sustained operational tempo, tactical proficiency, intelligence exploitation capability and combat effectiveness of the joint force,” the military said.
It added that the offensive further demonstrated the capacity of troops to penetrate difficult terrain, dismantle terrorist enclaves and disrupt their operational activities across the North-East theatre.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.
The Joint Task Force assured residents that it would sustain intelligence-led operations against terrorist groups while intensifying efforts to locate and rescue abducted persons.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds, degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities, and denying them the freedom to operate,” the statement said.
The theatre command said the ongoing operations would continue as security forces seek to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
