Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed scores of terrorists and recovered assorted arms and ammunition during operations in Adamawa.

The operations were conducted between September 30 and October 1 across the Sector 4 Area of Operations in the state.

According to a statement on Thursday by Mohammed Goni, acting spokesman for the JTF, the troops recorded successes through a ground ambush, a precision air strike, and defensive operations against terrorist attacks.

Mr Goni said troops conducted a coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi council area, neutralising 16 terrorists.

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

Mr Goni added that the Air Component of OPHK also conducted a precision air strike in the early hours of October 1.

According to him, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform at about 4:40 a.m. detected about 16 terrorists assembling with 15 motorcycles under a tree canopy in Sector 4.

“Following positive identification and target acquisition, a precision air interdiction was executed at about 5:30 a.m., recording a direct hit. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.

Mr Goni further disclosed that troops repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents on 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.

He said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abort the mission and withdraw.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment,” he said.

He added that follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations were ongoing across the affected areas.

Mr Goni said the successes came amid the ongoing restructuring of Headquarters Theatre Command aimed at strengthening joint integration, improving operational synergy and ensuring broader stakeholder participation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

He said the renewed approach had enhanced coordination between the land and air components and other supporting elements.

The acting military information officer reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its offensive posture and deploying intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East.

(NAN)