Nigerian troops have killed more than 21 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a joint offensive in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State.
According to a statement by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the troops acted on credible intelligence before making a stealth insertion into the terrorists’ enclave despite the difficult terrain.
The operation was aimed partly at locating and rescuing victims held by terrorist groups, including people abducted from Mussa community in May and Lassa schoolchildren kidnapped in June 2026.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters after reaching their camp.
“Over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the Joint Task Force said.
The troops subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed logistics infrastructure believed to support the group’s operations.
Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit, reportedly used for terrorist logistics and mobility, were also destroyed.
The troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the operation.
The military said the offensive demonstrated the joint force’s tactical capability, intelligence exploitation and ability to operate in difficult terrain.
It added that the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds, disrupt their logistics and rescue abducted persons.
The Military High Command commended the ONSA Tactical Team and Operation HADIN KAI troops for their coordination, professionalism and resilience.
The Joint Task Force said operations would continue until abducted persons are located and rescued, with sustained efforts to restore peace and security across the North-East.
