Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralised at least 16 terrorists and recovered assorted weapons during 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 attacks on military positions.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, troops first ambushed a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area.

He said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists and the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles and one Dane gun.
Other items recovered from the area included six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges.

Goni said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted a precision strike in the early hours of October 1 following intelligence that about 16 terrorists and 15 motorcycles had gathered under a tree canopy within Sector 4.

He said an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform detected the gathering at about 4:40 a.m., leading to the deployment of an air interdiction at approximately 5:30 a.m.

According to him, the strike recorded a direct hit, while subsequent battle damage assessment confirmed the destruction of the target.

He added that some surviving terrorists fled the area following the air strike.
Meanwhile, troops also repelled coordinated attacks launched by terrorists against military positions at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.

Goni said the troops responded with firepower that forced the attackers to abandon their mission and withdraw from the area.

He, however, disclosed that three soldiers were killed during the fierce engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and were receiving medical treatment in stable condition.
He said follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations were ongoing across the affected areas.

The military spokesperson said the operational successes occurred amid the ongoing restructuring of Headquarters Theatre Command aimed at strengthening joint operations, improving coordination and enhancing collaboration among relevant stakeholders in the counter-terrorism campaign.

He said the Theatre Command would sustain its operations by leveraging intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East.

Goni said the troops remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and creating conditions for peace, security and socio-economic development in the region.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.