In a series of decisive operational encounters executed between 30 September and 1 October 2026, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), recorded significant tactical breakthroughs across Sector 4 Area of Operations in Adamawa State.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni Acting military information officer HQ JTF north east operation hadin Kai said the coordinated engagements comprising a lethal ground ambush, a precision air strike, and successful defensive counter-operations culminated in the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, the recovery of an assortment of arms and ammunition, and the frustration of hostile incursions.
The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave. The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists. A subsequent exploitation of the engagement site led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines, and a belt of pump-action cartridges, thereby severely degrading the adversary’s combat power and denying them freedom of action within the sector.
Reinforcing the ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of 1 October, 2026. At approximately 4:40 am, an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4. Following positive identification and target acquisition, a precision air interdiction was executed at 5:30 am, recording a direct hit. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while few surviving elements scattered in disarray.
Concurrently, troops demonstrated resolute defensive capability when insurgents launched coordinated attacks on troop locations at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha. Responding with overwhelming firepower, the troops repelled the assailants, forcing them to abort the mission and withdraw precipitously. Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition receiving medical treatment. Follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations across the general area are actively ongoing.
These successes come amid the ongoing rejigging of Headquarters Theatre Command, aimed at strengthening joint integration, improving operational synergy and ensuring the inclusiveness of relevant stakeholders in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaign. Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous leadership, the renewed approach is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements.
The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining its aggressive posture and leveraging intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East. As Nigerians commemorate the nation’s Independence Anniversary, the troops of OPHK remain resolute in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region.
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, appreciates the continued support and cooperation of the public and urges citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies as operations continue across the Theatre.
