OPERATION HADIN KAI: TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 21 TERRORISTS, DESTROY ISWAP/BOKO HARAM HIDEOUT IN ADAMAWA.
By Our Defence Correspondent. Sir, Ikechukwu.
Published: August 28, 2026
In a significant blow to terrorist operations in northeastern Nigeria, I can confirm that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have successfully dismantled a major Boko Haram/ISWAP hideout at Kopre Mountain in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa S tate
THE OPERATION
The military sources said the operation began in the early hours of Wednesday based on intelligence that the terrorists were operating in the mountainous area. The operation reflects the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian security forces to rid the country of terrorism.
In an official notice on Thursday, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, gave the details of the operation. During this operation, the troops met two times with the elements of the terrorist group, which allowed over 21 terrorists to be neutralized.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, is determined to conduct active intelligence-based operations to search for and rescue kidnapping victims, destroy the strongholds and weaken the supply and fighting power of the terrorists, Captain Goni said.
RECOVERED WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT.
Several advanced weapons and equipment were recovered from the terrorist hiding place by the security forces, including:
Multiple AK-47 rifles
Magazines of different types of guns
A large amount of 7.62 calibre ammunition
Motorcycles used for terrorist operations
Bicycles
Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
The items recovered are a significant blow to terrorist supply lines in the area. Those materials are destroyed to not be used in future attacks to civilian population and security forces.
RESCUE OPERATIONS
I hear they were looking to find and recover those kidnapped from the Mussa and Lassa axes, one of the main goals of this operation. The military would keep patrolling until all the kidnapped people are found and brought to safety, Captain Goni said.
Military has stepped up Search and Rescue operations in the region with troops making a detailed search of the mountainous terrain. This continuous pressure reflects the military's steadfast efforts to guarantee civilians and to liberate those who are being held against their will by the terrorist groups.
STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
This was a successful operation that has great strategic significance for several reasons:
2. The operation has established that Nigerian security forces have the capability to deploy combat forces in challenging, mountainous environments, where terrorist groups have traditionally operated.
2. Intelligence-Led Operations: The accuracy of the operation is proving the effectiveness of intelligence-based counterterrorism strategies. This operation was conducted based on credible information about the presence of terrorists and their activities in the area, military sources said.
3. Logistics Degradation: Destruction of logistics facilities such as fuel storage and transportation equipment severely restricts the ability of terrorist groups in the region to operate.
4. Civilian Protection: The operation is in line with the general goal of protecting civilian population from the actions of terrorist groups and ensuring their release in cases of abductions.
MILITARY COMMENDATION
The military high command has praised all personnel for their coordination and performance during the assault, especially the soldiers and members of the ONSA Tactical Team.
The command characterized the troops' operations as "gallantry, professionalism, resilience and seamless coordination.
The military reiterated in its statement that “intelligence-led missions to disrupt the camps, logistics networks and fighting capabilities of the terrorist groups in the North East would continue”.
REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS
The successful operation at Kopre Mountain has important implications for the security of the northeast of Nigeria. Boko Haram and ISWAP have always operated across state lines, necessitating joint counter terror operations.
Security analysts say the destruction of this hideout will likely create a chaos in the operations of terrorists in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. The use of mountainous areas for training camps, storage and operational bases is being increasingly used by the terrorist groups to avoid detection.
The number of security forces and civilian casualties has been on the rise, and terrorist activity has been on the rise in recent months in Hong LGA. This operation is a bold response to such threats.
CONTINUED OPERATIONS
Captain Goni said that operations there would go on, and there would be pressure on those elements of the terrorist group. Search-and-rescue activities will be stepped up to locate and bring to safety abducted persons.
The military source told this correspondent that they will not be stopping till the Nigerian citizens are safe and secure, destroying all the terrorist hideouts and freeing our people from the scourge of terror.
THE WIDER CONTEXT
The operation is part of the Nigerian military's extensive operations to tackle security issues countrywide. Operation Hadin Kai has been leading the counterterrorism fight in the northeast, making high-profile successes and holding terrorist groups at bay.
The joint effort between the military and the Office of National Security Adviser should be representative of a whole-of-government strategy on national security matters. Such coordination ensures proper support and alignment of operations with the broader security goals.
LOOKING FORWARD
Security forces will continue to be aggressive in the region as troops continue their operations, but responsive to intelligence information regarding terrorist activity. The army has shown its ability to adapt to changing threats and evolve to remain effective.
The consequences of the destruction of the hideout in Kopre Mountain serves as a clear warning to the terrorist groups to not rest easy anywhere in Nigeria as security forces will not relent in their efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and reduce the efficiency of the terrorist groups in the country.
Captain Goni's remarks on the continued intelligence-led operation suggest that the military would continue to press its advantage and target terrorist operations with precision and effectiveness by leveraging on information gathered from multiple sources.
CONCLUSION
The successful operation at Kopre Mountain is another big coup in Nigeria's war against terrorism. The coordinated military actions have proven effective in nullifying 21 terrorist and recovering weapons and equipment and destroying logistics bases.
The military keeps promising to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, following the ongoing search and rescue operations. The professionalism and gallantry exhibited by the troops in this operation is a true reflection of the best practices of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The armed forces have appealed to citizens to continue to assist security forces by giving them information that can be useful in the fight against the insurgency. With the continued support of the public and the operational prowess of the security forces, Nigeria is resolved to eradicate terrorism and ensure a lasting peace for the northeast and the country at large.
Author:
Ikechukwu
Editor @ Insight Africa Today.
This report is a compilation by Our Defence Correspondent in accordance with military guidelines and the standard journalistic practice. Everything has been checked by official military channels.
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