Troops Kill 16 Terrorists, Lose Three Soldiers in Adamawa

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered weapons during coordinated operations in Adamawa State.

The operations were conducted between September 30 and October 1 across the Sector 4 Area of Operations, involving ground engagements, an air strike and defensive operations against attacks on military positions.

In the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, troops ambushed a terrorist enclave, resulting in the reported neutralisation of 16 terrorists.

The military said troops subsequently recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai also conducted a precision air strike after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform detected about 16 terrorists gathered with 15 motorcycles under a tree canopy in Sector 4.

The targets were detected at about 4:40 a.m., while the air interdiction was carried out around 5:30 a.m. following identification and target acquisition. The military said the strike recorded a direct hit, with subsequent assessment confirming the destruction of the target.

Meanwhile, terrorists launched coordinated attacks on troops at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha. The attacks were repelled by the soldiers, forcing the assailants to withdraw.

However, three soldiers were killed during the fierce engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated for medical treatment.

The military said follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations were ongoing across the affected areas as troops continued efforts to prevent terrorists from operating freely in the region.

The Theatre Command said it would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and coordination between land and air forces to sustain counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.