The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded a major operational victory after troops killed more than 21 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and dismantled their camp in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, who said search and rescue operations were still ongoing in the area.
According to Goni, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The ONSA tactical team, alongside newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State, conducted a covert operation in the difficult mountain terrain.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of August 27, 2026, was aimed at locating and rescuing persons believed to be held by the terrorists, including victims abducted from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren kidnapped from Lassa in June.
Goni said the troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, killing more than 21 of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the engagements, the troops secured the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed associated logistics facilities, further degrading the group’s operational capacity in the area.
The troops also destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have been used to support the terrorists’ movement and logistics.
Weapons recovered from the area included several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The Operation HADIN KAI spokesperson said the successful operation demonstrated the joint force’s ability to deploy intelligence effectively, operate in challenging terrain, and disrupt terrorist strongholds and logistics networks.
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He added that the operation reflected the military’s sustained operational tempo and increasing ability to project combat power into difficult-to-access areas.
The military high command commended the ONSA tactical team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for their courage, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.
The command reaffirmed the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to pursue and degrade terrorist groups wherever they seek refuge.
Operation HADIN KAI also assured the public that search and rescue operations would continue until the abducted persons are located and rescued, while sustained military and security operations would be carried out to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
