The battle against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East has recorded another significant development as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, launched a major offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa state.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of August 27, 2026, targeted a terrorist enclave in the rugged Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, where the joint force succeeded in dislodging the insurgents and neutralising more than 21 terrorists.
The offensive followed credible intelligence on the location of the terrorist camp and formed part of intensified military efforts to penetrate difficult terrain used by insurgents as hideouts and operational bases.
The joint force included personnel from the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops undertook a stealth insertion into the area before launching a precision assault on the terrorist enclave.
The difficult terrain, characterised by mountainous and restrictive routes, did not deter the troops, who successfully penetrated the camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters.
The resulting engagements reportedly left more than 21 terrorists neutralised, while several others fled the area with gunshot wounds.
Beyond the immediate casualties inflicted on the terrorists, the operation also resulted in the dismantling of the entire camp and destruction of logistics infrastructure believed to have sustained the insurgents’ operations in the area.
The offensive is particularly significant because it was linked to the broader search and rescue campaign for persons believed to be held by terrorist elements.
Military authorities said the operation was undertaken partly to locate and rescue victims abducted from Mussa community in May 2026, as well as schoolchildren abducted from Lassa in June.
The destruction of the camp therefore represents not only a tactical victory but also part of a continuing effort to deny terrorist groups safe havens while creating opportunities for the recovery of abducted civilians.
During the exploitation of the abandoned camp, troops destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have been used to facilitate terrorist movement and logistics.
The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The recovered weapons and ammunition are expected to further assist security forces in degrading the terrorists’ fighting capacity and disrupting their ability to sustain operations within the area.
The military described the operation as a demonstration of the joint force’s growing intelligence exploitation capability, tactical proficiency and combat effectiveness, particularly in difficult and restrictive terrain.
For the security forces, the ability to penetrate such terrain and dismantle a terrorist enclave represents an important component of the broader strategy to deny insurgents freedom of movement and prevent them from establishing enduring bases of operation.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops for what it described as their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and seamless coordination during the operation.
It reaffirmed the determination of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to sustain aggressive and intelligence-driven operations against terrorist groups across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force, however, indicated that the operation is part of an ongoing campaign rather than an isolated military action, stressing that search and rescue efforts would continue until abducted persons are located and brought to safety.
It further assured residents that troops would sustain operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds, disrupting their logistics and fighting capabilities, and denying them the freedom to operate.
The latest offensive comes against the backdrop of continued security challenges in parts of the North-East, where terrorist groups have exploited difficult terrain to evade security forces and maintain their operational networks.
For communities in Adamawa and neighbouring areas, the military’s intensified presence and offensive operations could provide renewed hope for the recovery of abducted persons and the restoration of security in vulnerable locations.
As Operation HADIN KAI sustains its offensive, attention will now remain focused on the ongoing search and rescue operations and the military’s ability to consolidate the gains recorded in the Kopre Mountain axis.
The latest operation underscores the evolving nature of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, where intelligence, coordinated operations and the ability to reach terrorists in remote hideouts remain central to degrading their capacity and restoring lasting peace.