Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised several terrorists and recovered assorted weapons and ammunition during a series of operations conducted across Sector 4 of the theatre in Adamawa State.
The operations, carried out between September 30 and October 1, 2026, involved ground engagements, a precision air strike and defensive operations against terrorist attacks on military positions.
In the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, troops ambushed a terrorist enclave, killing 16 terrorists during the encounter.
Following the operation, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also carried out a precision air strike in Sector 4 after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform detected about 16 terrorists gathered with 15 motorcycles under a tree canopy.
According to the military, the target was identified and engaged at about 5:30am on October 1, with a direct hit recorded. A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the target, while surviving terrorists reportedly fled the area.
Meanwhile, troops repelled coordinated attacks launched by insurgents against military positions at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.
The military said the troops responded with firepower that forced the attackers to abort their mission and withdraw from the area.
However, three soldiers were killed during the confrontation, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are receiving treatment in stable condition.
The military added that follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations were ongoing across the affected areas.
The latest operations come amid ongoing efforts by the Theatre Command to strengthen joint operations, improve coordination between land and air components and enhance intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force said it remained committed to sustaining its operations against terrorists and denying them freedom of action across the region.
It also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on October 1, 2026.
