Nigerian Troops Kill 16 Terrorists In Adamawa

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

In a statement on Thursday, Military Information Officer for the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the details. He said the operations involved a ground ambush, a precision air strike and defensive counter-operations.

The operation took place in the Boima general area between September 30 and October 1. However, the Nigerian Army has also lost three soldiers in separate attacks on troop locations in the state. The attacks occurred at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.

According to Goni, the operations led to the killing of several terrorists, the recovery of weapons and the disruption of attacks on military positions.

In Boima, troops carried out a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Gombi area.

“The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists,” Goni said.

Troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles and one Dane gun from the area. They also recovered six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges. The Army said the recovery weakened the terrorists’ weapons stock and restricted their ability to operate in the area. The operation was later supported by an air strike early on October 1.

Goni said an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected about 16 terrorists near 15 motorcycles under a tree canopy in Sector 4. The target was identified before an air interdiction was carried out at about 5:30 am.

He added that a later Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the target. Some surviving terrorists reportedly fled the area in different directions.

Meanwhile, terrorists launched coordinated attacks on military positions at Garkida and Garaha. Troops responded with heavy firepower and repelled the attackers. The terrorists were forced to abandon the attacks and withdraw.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle,” Goni said.

He added that wounded soldiers were evacuated and were receiving medical treatment in stable condition. Follow-up operations and mop-up activities are ongoing across the affected areas.

Goni said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination between the Army and Air Force. He said the recent changes at the Theatre Command also aimed to improve joint operations and bring relevant stakeholders into the counter-terrorism campaign.

According to him, the renewed approach has improved coordination between land, air and other supporting units. Goni said Operation Hadin Kai would continue using intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to restrict terrorist activities across the North-East.