By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The Nigerian Army also recorded the death of three soldiers after terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida and Garaha.
The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
Goni said the operations produced several results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the prevention of attacks on military positions.
According to him, troops first engaged the terrorists in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA.
“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.”
He said troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.
The Army spokesman also disclosed that an Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate air strike on a group of terrorists in the early hours of October 1.
“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,” he added.
Goni said the target was subsequently engaged after identification and target acquisition.
“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.
Meanwhile, terrorists also launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha.
Goni said the troops responded with heavy firepower and forced the attackers to abandon their operation and retreat.
“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,” he stressed.
He added that troops had commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.
According to Goni, the latest operations form part of efforts by the Theatre Command to improve coordination among land, air and other supporting components involved in counter-terrorism operations.
“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,” he said.
Goni said the theatre command would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and joint military capabilities to restrict terrorists’ operations 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,” he stated.
