Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have conducted successful operations in Adamawa State, killing 16 terrorists and recovering firearms and ammunition. The operations, which took place between September 30 and October 1, were part of the military's ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the region. According to the Theatre Command, the troops repelled coordinated attacks on military formations in Garkida and Garaha.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the details of the operations in a statement issued on Thursday. He said troops conducted a coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA, resulting in the death of 16 terrorists. The troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines, and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
In a separate operation, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision air strike against a group of terrorists detected by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform. The target, which consisted of about 16 terrorists and 15 motorcycles concealed beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4, was identified and acquired before the air interdiction was carried out at about 5:30 a.m. on October 1.
The military reported that subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray. Meanwhile, troops deployed to 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents on their positions. The military said the troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to abort their mission and withdraw.
However, three soldiers were killed during the engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are receiving treatment in stable condition. The latest operations came against the backdrop of continuing insecurity in parts of Adamawa and the wider North-East, where years of insurgency have left communities struggling to recover from repeated attacks, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods.
The killing of 16 terrorists and recovery of weapons represent another operational gain for the military in the campaign against insurgency. The operations demonstrate the military's continued efforts to enhance security in the region and protect local communities from the threat of terrorism. The military remains committed to rooting out insurgency and ensuring the safety of citizens.
For residents, the more difficult measure of security is whether they can sleep safely in their homes, return permanently to their ancestral communities, cultivate their farms without fear, and travel without the constant threat of attack. The military's efforts have been ongoing, with a focus on securing the region and preventing further attacks. The situation remains under close monitoring, with efforts to stabilize and secure the area ongoing.
Key points
- 16 terrorists killed in separate operations in Adamawa State
- Troops recover firearms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action rifles
- Military repels coordinated attacks on military formations in Garkida and Garaha
