Nigerian troops have killed more than 21 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during a joint military offensive in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, by troops from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team and newly inducted personnel of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa.
According to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the troops acted on credible intelligence before carrying out a stealth operation into the terrorists’ enclave despite the difficult terrain.
The offensive was part of ongoing military efforts to locate and rescue people abducted by terrorist groups, including victims taken from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren abducted in Lassa in June.
Over 21 Terrorists Killed
The military said troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters after successfully reaching their camp.
“Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the Joint Task Force said.
The troops subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed logistics infrastructure believed to have supported the group’s operations.
During the operation, soldiers also destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which the military said were being used to support terrorist movement and logistics.
Several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition were also recovered from the location.
Terrorist Camp Destroyed
The military said the operation significantly disrupted the terrorists’ operational capabilities in the area.
It described the offensive as evidence of the joint force’s ability to combine intelligence gathering with tactical operations in difficult terrain.
According to the military, the troops’ actions also helped deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and access to established operational bases in the area.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for what it described as their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and effective coordination.
It said the operation reflected the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to pursue terrorist groups wherever they seek refuge.
Rescue Operations To Continue
The Joint Task Force said military operations would continue across the North East, with a particular focus on locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist camps and disrupting their logistics networks.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds, degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities, and denying them the freedom to operate,” the theatre said.
It added that operations would be sustained until abducted persons are located and rescued, while efforts continue towards restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
