Adamawa Operations: Army Reports 16 Terrorists Killed, Three Soldiers Lost
By HAUWA MAGANA
TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists and recovered weapons during coordinated operations in Adamawa State.
However, the operations also cost the military three soldiers after terrorists attacked two troop locations.
The encounters occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, across Sector 4 of the Joint Task Force’s area of operations.
Ambush in Gombi
According to the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, troops first engaged a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area.
There, the soldiers mounted a coordinated ambush.
The Army said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists.
After the engagement, troops searched the area and recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles and one Dane gun.
They also recovered six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges, according to the military.
Air Strike Follows Ground Operation
Meanwhile, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate precision strike in Sector 4.
The military said an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform detected about 16 terrorists gathered with 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy at approximately 4:40 a.m. on 1st October.
Following target identification and acquisition, an air interdiction was conducted at about 5:30 a.m.
According to Goni, the strike recorded a direct hit.
He added that subsequent battle damage assessment confirmed the destruction of the target, while some surviving terrorists fled the area.
Three Soldiers Killed in Counter-Attacks
While troops were conducting offensive operations elsewhere, terrorists launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.
The Army said troops responded and repelled the attackers.
The assailants subsequently withdrew after the military response.
However, three soldiers were killed during the fighting.
The Army also said some personnel sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. It described their condition as stable.
Mop-Up Operations Continue
Following the encounters, troops commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.
The military said the exercises were designed to consolidate the gains recorded during the engagements and prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
Goni also linked the reported successes to ongoing changes at the Headquarters Theatre Command.
According to him, the restructuring is intended to improve coordination between land and air components while strengthening cooperation with other relevant stakeholders.
Intelligence & Joint Operations
The military said the renewed approach places greater emphasis on intelligence, technology and joint operational capabilities.
The combination of a ground ambush, intelligence-led air operation and defensive response formed the central elements of the latest engagements.
For the Army, the operations demonstrate the importance of coordinating different military capabilities across the theatre.
Nevertheless, the death of three soldiers also underscores the continuing danger faced by troops operating in the North-East.
Goni said Operation Hadin Kai would maintain pressure on terrorist groups and continue efforts to restrict their freedom of movement.
As Nigeria marked its Independence anniversary, he said the troops remained committed to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and supporting efforts toward lasting peace and socio-economic development in the region.
