The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has dislodged a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist camp in Adamawa State, neutralising more than 21 insurgents as troops intensify ongoing search-and-rescue operations for abducted persons.
The operation took place in the Kopre Mountain general area of Hong Local Government Area, following a coordinated intelligence-driven offensive against the terrorist elements.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, the joint force acted on credible intelligence to launch a stealth operation into the terrorists’ enclave in the early hours of August 27, 2026.
The force comprised the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
Troops reportedly navigated the difficult and rugged terrain of the Kopre Mountain area before successfully penetrating the terrorist hideout and launching a precision strike on the camp.
The offensive formed part of sustained military efforts to locate and rescue victims held by terrorist groups, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and schoolchildren abducted from Lassa in June.
During the operation, troops closed in on the camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters.
“Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The joint force subsequently secured and dominated the area, dismantling the terrorist camp and destroying its associated logistics infrastructure in an effort to further degrade the operational capacity of the insurgents.
During the exploitation of the location, troops destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have been 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.
The military said the successful operation underscored the sustained operational tempo, tactical proficiency, intelligence exploitation capability and combat effectiveness of the joint force.
It added that the offensive demonstrated the ability of troops to project combat power into difficult and restrictive terrain, dismantle terrorist enclaves and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre.
The Military High Command commended the gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination displayed by the ONSA Tactical Team and troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the operation reflected the determination of the Armed Forces and other security stakeholders to relentlessly pursue and degrade terrorist groups wherever they seek refuge.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading the groups’ logistics and fighting capabilities.
The theatre also reassured the public that search-and-rescue operations would continue alongside sustained military offensives until abducted persons are located and rescued, as security forces work to restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
