Nigerian Army Records Major Independence Day Success, Neutralises 16 Terrorists, Recovers Arms In Adamawa — OPHK
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded major operational successes across Sector 4 in Adamawa State between 30 September and 1 October 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists and recovering arms.
In a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, the coordinated engagements comprising a lethal ground ambush, a precision air strike, and defensive counter-operations culminated in the neutralisation of multiple terrorists and frustration of hostile incursions.
According to the statement, the operational momentum commenced in Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave. The action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists. Subsequent exploitation led to recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines, and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
Reinforcing ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of October 1. At approximately 4:40am, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4. A precision air interdiction executed at 5:30am recorded a direct hit, with Battle Damage Assessment confirming successful destruction of the target while surviving elements scattered.
Concurrently, troops repelled coordinated attacks on 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha with overwhelming firepower, forcing insurgents to abort and withdraw. Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are in stable condition.
The Theatre Command said the successes come amid ongoing rejigging of Headquarters Theatre Command aimed at strengthening joint integration and operational synergy, adding that the renewed approach is already yielding dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components.
The Command reiterated commitment to sustaining aggressive posture and leveraging intelligence and technology to deny terrorists freedom of action as Nigerians commemorate Independence Anniversary.
