The Nigerian military has neutralised more than 21 terrorists and destroyed a major terrorist camp during a joint operation in Adamawa State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, involved the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State.
According to a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the troops acted on credible intelligence before carrying out a stealth insertion into the terrorists’ enclave despite the difficult and rugged terrain.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to locate and rescue victims being held by terrorist groups in the area, including those abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and the Lassa schoolchildren abducted in June 2026.
The troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters after successfully closing in on their camp.
Following fierce engagements, more than 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The joint force subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the entire terrorist camp and destroyed logistics infrastructure linked to the group, further weakening its operational capacity in the area.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said the troops also destroyed several items believed to have been used to support the terrorists’ logistics and mobility.
“During exploitation of the location, several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have been used to support terrorist logistics and mobility, were destroyed in situ.
“The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition,” the statement partly read.
The military said the operation demonstrated the joint force’s operational tempo, tactical proficiency, intelligence exploitation capability and combat effectiveness, particularly its ability to operate in difficult and restrictive terrain.
It added that the success further demonstrated the troops’ capacity to dismantle terrorist enclaves and deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the theatre of operations.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination during the operation.
According to the military, the troops’ actions reflected the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to pursue and degrade terrorist elements wherever they seek refuge.
“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 statement added.
The theatre command said military operations would continue until all abducted persons are located and rescued, as efforts are sustained to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
