Nigerian troops have killed more than 21 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and destroyed a terrorist camp in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team.
The terrorists were killed during a raid on their camp around the Kopre Mountain area following intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorist elements.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the operation in a statement.
He said the joint force included the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, following a directive from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu.
According to Goni, the troops made a stealth entry into the difficult terrain before launching a precision attack on the camp in the early hours of Thursday.
“During the operation, troops successfully closed in on the terrorist camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters,” he said.
“Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
Goni said the operation was also aimed at locating and rescuing victims believed to be held by terrorist groups, including people abducted from Mussa community and schoolchildren kidnapped from Lassa.
The troops subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed its logistics infrastructure.
They also destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which the military said were believed to have been used for terrorist logistics and movement.
The troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Goni said the operation had further weakened the terrorists’ ability to operate in the area.
He described the raid as evidence of the joint force’s ability to combine intelligence with combat operations, particularly in difficult terrain.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops for their “gallantry, professionalism, resilience and coordination”.
Goni said Operation Hadin Kai would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to locate and rescue abducted persons, dismantle terrorist strongholds and disrupt their logistics.
He added that the military would sustain operations until abducted persons were rescued and lasting peace and security restored across the North-East.
