By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, has recorded another major success following a coordinated offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Maiduguri.
According to the statement, acting on credible intelligence, a joint force comprising the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, conducted a stealth insertion into the target area in the early hours of Wednesday, 27 August 2026.
The operation was carried out under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The statement said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to locate and rescue victims held by terrorist elements, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and Lassa school children abducted in June 2026.
“Troops successfully closed in on the terrorist 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.
It added that the joint force dominated the area, dismantled the entire terrorist camp and destroyed associated logistics infrastructure, thereby further degrading the terrorists’ operational capability.
During exploitation, several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, believed to have been used to support terrorist logistics and mobility, were destroyed in situ.
The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The statement said the operation underscored the sustained operational tempo, tactical proficiency and combat effectiveness of the joint force, and demonstrated its capacity to project power into difficult terrain and deny terrorists freedom of action.
The Military High Command commended the gallantry, professionalism, resilience and seamless coordination displayed by the ONSA Tactical Team and troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
“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,” it stated.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, reassured the public that aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at rescuing abducted persons and dismantling terrorist strongholds would be sustained until lasting peace and security are restored across the North East.
