In a major tactical victory against insurgency, combined forces of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team have killed more than 21 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Adamawa State.
​The joint offensive, executed in the Kopre Mountain general area of Hong Local Government Area on Thursday, August 27, 2026, resulted in the complete destruction of a major terrorist stronghold and logistics base.
​According to official military sources, the high-stakes covert operation was conducted by the ONSA Tactical Team alongside newly inducted troops of the 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4 under directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
​The assault commenced in the early hours of Thursday after troops completed a covert night insertion through difficult mountain terrain between 1:30 a.m. and 4:10 a.m.
​”The troops conducted a stealth operation through the difficult terrain before launching a precision attack on the terrorists’ camp in the early hours of the day,” said Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for OPHK.
The troops engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, resulting in the death of over 21 terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
​Following the gun battles, the joint forces took full operational control of the enclave, dismantling its camp infrastructure and cutting off critical supply lines.
​Items recovered and destroyed at the location include; Weapons & Ammunition- Several AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, and substantial quantities of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Multiple motorcycles, bicycles, and jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) used for logistics and mobility.
​The military confirmed that one member of the local hunter support component lost his life during the intense firefight, while no loss of military equipment was recorded.
​Capt. Goni highlighted that the targeted strike forms part of wider intelligence-driven efforts to track down and rescue hostages, including victims abducted from the Mussa community in May 2026 and schoolchildren taken from Lassa in June 2026.
​The military high command praised the gallantry, coordination, and resilience of both the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops. Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-led raids across the North-East until all captive citizens are freed and lasting peace is restored.
