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 dislodged a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province camp in Adamawa State, killing more than 21 terrorists.
The operation, which was carried out in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, formed part of ongoing military efforts to locate and rescue persons abducted by terrorist groups in the North-East.
The Joint Task Force said the offensive was launched following credible intelligence on the activities and location of the terrorists in the rugged mountainous area.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the joint force comprised personnel of the ONSA Tactical Team and troops of the newly inducted 226 Battalion.
The troops, who were recently deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reportedly carried out a stealth insertion into the terrorists’ enclave before launching a precision strike in the early hours of August 27, 2026.
The military said the operation was also aimed at intensifying ongoing search and rescue efforts for victims held by terrorist groups, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren kidnapped from Lassa in June.
“During the operation, troops successfully closed in on the terrorist camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters,” the statement said.
“Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
The troops subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed logistics infrastructure believed to have supported the activities of the insurgents.
Items destroyed during the operation included motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit, which the military said were used to support terrorist logistics and mobility.
The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Operation HADIN KAI said the successful offensive demonstrated the ability of the joint force to penetrate difficult terrain, dismantle terrorist enclaves and restrict the movement and operational activities of insurgents across the theatre.
The Military High Command commended the personnel of the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI for their gallantry, professionalism and coordination during the operation.
“Their decisive action reflects the determination of the Armed Forces and other security stakeholders to relentlessly pursue and degrade terrorist elements wherever they may seek refuge,” the statement added.
The Joint Task Force assured the public that it would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading the logistics and fighting capabilities of insurgent groups.
“The Theatre reassures the public that ongoing operations will be sustained until all abducted persons are located and rescued, while efforts continue towards restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East,” the statement said.
