Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized 16 terrorists in a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The operation, which occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, involved a ground ambush, a precision air strike, and defensive counter-operations. The military reported that the ambush resulted in the neutralization of 16 terrorists and the recovery of several arms and ammunition.
The Nigerian Army reported that it lost three soldiers in terrorist attacks that occurred concurrently at troop locations in 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha. The attacks were repelled by the troops, who responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the assailants to abort their mission and withdraw. The three soldiers who lost their lives were part of the brave men and women who fought to defend their positions.
According to Capt Mohammed Goni, Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, the coordinated engagements across Sector 4 Area of Operations in Adamawa State recorded significant tactical breakthroughs. The operations involved the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines, and a belt of pump-action cartridges. These recoveries degraded the terrorists' combat capability and denied them freedom of action within the sector.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai delivered a precision strike on October 1, 2026, at approximately 5:30 am, recording a direct hit on a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles. An Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform detected the terrorists, and subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target.
The Nigerian Army reported that follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations across the general area were ongoing. The successes came amid the ongoing rejigging of the Headquarters Theatre Command, aimed at strengthening joint integration, improving operational synergy, and ensuring the inclusion of relevant stakeholders in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaign.
Capt Goni assured that the theatre command remained committed to sustaining its aggressive posture and leveraging intelligence, technology, and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East. The troops of Operation Hadin Kai remain resolute in defending the nation's territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security, and socio-economic development across the region.
As Nigerians commemorate the nation's Independence anniversary, the military continues to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security. The renewed approach by the Headquarters Theatre Command is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements.
Key points
- 16 terrorists were neutralized in a coordinated ambush in Adamawa State.
- The Nigerian Army lost three soldiers in separate terrorist attacks.
- The military remains committed to sustaining its aggressive posture against terrorism.
