The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Operation Hadin Kai

  • Operation Hadin Kai foils terrorist attacks, neutralise scores in follow-up operations

    Operation Hadin Kai foils terrorist attacks, neutralise scores in follow-up operations

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have once again demonstrated resilience, professionalism and superior combat capability by decisively foiling coordinated terrorist attacks across parts of Adamawa and Borno States, while inflicting heavy losses on fleeing terrorists during follow-up operations.

    According to a statement signed the Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant  SA Atokolo.

    In the early hours of 16 January 2026, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State under Sector 4 OPHK. Alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, supported by reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force. The terrorists were successfully repelled without any casualties to our troops and equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack. The general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for Improvised Explosive Devices and booby traps to ensure civilian and troop safety.

    READ ALSO: How to budget for 2026

    In a related development on the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The attackers initially attempted to breach part of the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from gallant troops with support from the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced to withdraw.

    During the engagement, terrorists’ Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire affected Troop Carrying Vehicles and the CCTV control room which were partially gutted by fire. Despite this, troops maintained firm control of the situation. Several terrorist weapons and ammunition, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, were recovered from the terrorists.

    Crucially, this engagement did not end at the FOB. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms immediately tracked the fleeing terrorists, enabling follow-up operations along identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK. The precision strikes by the Nigerian Airforce platforms resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of the terrorists, dealing a severe blow to the group’s fighting strength and morale. Evidence from the exploitation confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties.

     The sacrifices of personnel underscores the overall commitment of troops in securing lives and the troops of OPHK remain resolute and unwavering in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks and protect the integrity of the North East region. Operations continue until all threats are eliminated.

  • Troops crush terrorist networks in Borno, seize weapons, bomb-making materials

    Troops crush terrorist networks in Borno, seize weapons, bomb-making materials

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have dealt a major blow to terrorist groups in Borno State, seizing large caches of weapons, bomb-making materials, and drugs during a series of decisive operations.

    According to a statement obtained by The Nation, the operations disrupted terrorist supply chains and denied ISWAP/JAS fighters freedom of action across several key locations in the theatre.

    At Banki, troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, supported by Hybrid Forces and Civilian JTF, repelled an attack and recovered boxes of 12.7×108mm and 7.62×51mm NATO rounds, a bicycle, and military camouflage.

    In the Damboa–Gumsuri axis, combined troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade intercepted a logistics convoy, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering two AK-47 rifles, 36 hand grenades, bomb-making components, uniforms, 32 bicycles, chemicals, and bulk drugs.

    Another attempted incursion in Biu LGA was foiled by the 135 Special Forces Battalion and Civilian JTF, with troops seizing five rocket bombs, three AK-47 magazines with 90 rounds, and four PKT machine gun belts loaded with 306 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

    READ ALSO; FG provides clarification on $220 million fine imposed on Meta for data breaches

    At a Forward Operating Base in Azir, Damboa, troops overpowered attackers, killing one terrorist and capturing rifles, explosives, and drugs.

    Similarly, troops of 222 Battalion in Konduga eliminated a terrorist in a coordinated ambush, while the 3 Battalion intercepted a truckload of NPK fertilizer in Logomani, suspected to be intended for bomb-making.

    Elsewhere, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralized a threat by safely disposing of two command explosives planted along the Darel Jamal–Bula Yobe road.

    The Theatre Command assured the public of its commitment to cutting off terrorist supply lines, while the Military High Command commended the troops for their “impressive battle performance.” Citizens were also urged to provide timely intelligence to aid ongoing counterterrorism efforts.