The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Kopre Mountain general area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, where troops dismantled a terrorist enclave and neutralised more than 21 fighters.
The operation comes amid intensified search and rescue efforts for victims being held by terrorist elements in the area, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and schoolchildren abducted from Lassa in June.
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint force comprising the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, carried out a stealth insertion into the target area.
Despite the difficult and rugged terrain around Kopre Mountain, the joint force successfully penetrated the terrorists’ enclave before launching a precision assault on the camp in the early hours of August 27, 2026.
During the operation, troops closed in on the camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters. Following fierce exchanges, more than 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The joint force subsequently secured and dominated the area, dismantling the terrorist camp and destroying associated logistics infrastructure, further degrading the group’s ability to operate within the area.
During a subsequent exploitation of the location, troops discovered and destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which were believed to have supported the terrorists’ logistics and mobility.
Several AK-47 rifles and magazines, as well as a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition, were also recovered from the enclave.
The operation forms part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts by security forces to penetrate terrorist hideouts in difficult terrain, dismantle their operational and logistics networks, and restrict their freedom of movement across the North East theatre.
The Military High Command commended the gallantry, professionalism and resilience of the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops involved in the offensive, particularly the coordination between intelligence and combat elements during the operation.
It said the operation demonstrated the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to pursue terrorist elements into their enclaves and deny them safe havens from which to plan and execute attacks.
Operation HADIN KAI said aggressive search and rescue operations would continue, with particular attention to locating and securing the release of abducted persons, while simultaneously dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities.
The Joint Task Force reassured residents and the wider public that operations would be sustained until the abducted victims are located and rescued, as security forces intensify efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
