Operation HADIN KAI Thwarts Coordinated Terror Attacks in Adamawa, Borno; Scores Neutralised in Aerial Follow-Up Strikes
Troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have decisively foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in parts of Adamawa and Borno States, demonstrating high levels of professionalism, resilience and combat effectiveness while inflicting heavy losses on the attackers during sustained follow-up operations.
In the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, under Sector 4 of OPHK. Alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, supported by reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force.
The assailants were repelled without any casualty to own troops or equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack. The general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for improvised explosive devices and possible booby traps to ensure the safety of both civilians and personnel.
On the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Azir in Borno State.
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The attackers attempted to breach sections of the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from gallant troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After an intense firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced to retreat.
During the engagement, enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire affected some troop-carrying vehicles and the CCTV control room, which were partially damaged by fire. Despite this, troops maintained firm control of the situation.
A significant cache of terrorist weapons and ammunition was recovered, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
The operation was extended beyond the immediate defence of the FOB as persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms tracked the fleeing terrorists.
This enabled precision follow-up strikes along identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK. The strikes resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of terrorists, dealing a severe blow to their fighting strength and morale, with exploitation confirming heavy casualties.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that its troops remain resolute and unwavering in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks and protect lives and property across the North East.
Clearance and stabilisation operations continue until all threats in the region are fully eliminated.
