Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have launched a major offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa State, dismantling a terrorist camp in the rugged Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted in the early hours of August 27, 2026, reportedly resulted in the neutralisation of more than 21 terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The offensive was part of intensified efforts to locate and rescue persons believed to be held captive by terrorist elements, including residents abducted from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren kidnapped from Lassa in June.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Friday.
According to the statement, the operation involved the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Acting on credible intelligence, the joint force conducted a stealth insertion into the difficult mountainous terrain before penetrating the terrorist enclave and launching a coordinated assault on the camp.
The troops reportedly encountered the terrorists in two separate engagements, during which more than 21 insurgents were neutralised.
The military noted that other terrorists reportedly managed to escape into the surrounding bushes with gunshot wounds as the troops consolidated their position and took control of the area.
Following the operation, the joint force dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed its associated logistics infrastructure in a move aimed at preventing the insurgents from regrouping or re-establishing their presence in the area.
It was gathered that during the operation 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.
Security forces further recovered several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The military described the operation as a significant blow to the terrorists’ operational capacity in the area, particularly their ability to maintain a foothold in difficult and restrictive terrain.
The army said the operation carries significant importance in the ongoing search for victims of terrorist abductions in the region.
The military said search-and-rescue operations have been intensified to locate and rescue persons believed to remain in captivity, while troops continue to exploit intelligence obtained from the operation.
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The success of the offensive also demonstrates the increasing emphasis on joint operations, intelligence gathering and the deployment of specialised forces to penetrate terrorist hideouts in challenging environments.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for their courage, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.
It said the offensive reflected the determination of the Nigerian military and other security stakeholders to pursue terrorist elements wherever they seek refuge and dismantle their networks.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed that troops would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations across the North-East to destroy terrorist strongholds, disrupt logistics and fighting capabilities and deny insurgents freedom of action.
The Theatre Command also assured Nigerians that the search for abducted persons would continue, with troops maintaining pressure on terrorist enclaves and exploiting every available intelligence lead towards securing the release of victims.
The latest operation comes amid intensified military activities against Boko Haram and ISWAP formations across the North-East, as security forces seek to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping and expanding their operational reach.
The army urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to locating terrorists, rescuing abducted persons and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
