AM GOLD

OPHK troops record major Independence Day successes in Adamawa, neutralise terrorists, recover weapons. Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), recorded significant operational successes across Sector 4 in Adamawa State during coordinated operations conducted between September 30 and October 1, 2026. The operations involved a ground ambush, a precision air strike and defensive counter-operations, resulting in the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, recovery of various weapons and ammunition, and the disruption of attempted attacks on military positions. The operations began in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops carried out a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists. During a subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges. The recovery significantly reduced the terrorists’ combat capability and restricted their freedom of movement within the sector. The Air Component of OPHK also conducted a precision air operation in the early hours of October 1. At about 4:40 a.m., an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected approximately 16 terrorists gathered alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy within Sector 4. Following positive identification and target acquisition, an air interdiction was carried out at about 5:30 a.m., resulting in a direct hit on the target. A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the target, while a few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing the area in disarray. In a separate development, insurgents launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha. The troops responded with heavy firepower, repelling the attackers and forcing them to abandon the attacks and withdraw from the area. Three soldiers were killed during the fierce engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are currently receiving medical treatment in stable condition. Follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations are ongoing across the general area. The latest successes come amid the ongoing restructuring of Headquarters Theatre Command, which is aimed at strengthening joint operations, improving coordination and ensuring the involvement of relevant stakeholders in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaign. The Theatre Command said the renewed approach builds on the foundation established by the previous leadership and is already producing operational gains through improved coordination between land and air components, as well as other supporting elements. The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an aggressive posture against terrorists by leveraging intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to restrict their freedom of action across the North-East. As Nigeria marks its Independence Anniversary, OPHK troops also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions necessary for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region. Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, appreciated the continued support and cooperation of members of the public and urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information as operations continue across the theatre.