Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have once again showcased their professionalism and tactical superiority by successfully foiling coordinated terrorist attacks in parts of Adamawa and Borno States. The follow-up operations inflicted significant losses on fleeing terrorists.

According to Lieutenant SA Atokolo, Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, on 16 January 2026. Alert troops, reinforced by units from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force, repelled the attackers without sustaining casualties or equipment losses. The area was subsequently cleared and scanned for improvised explosives to ensure civilian and troop safety.

On the same day, terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. Their initial breach attempts were met with overwhelming firepower from ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Army’s Air Component. After over an hour of intense firefight, the terrorists were forced to withdraw.

During the clash, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire damaged troop-carrying vehicles and a CCTV control room, but the troops maintained full control. Numerous weapons and ammunition were recovered, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, heavy machine gun rounds, locally fabricated explosives, and hundreds of 7.62mm NATO rounds.

The pursuit didn’t stop there. Persistent surveillance tracked retreating terrorists, allowing OPHK’s Air Component to carry out precision strikes along withdrawal routes, neutralising additional scores of fighters and further weakening the group’s capabilities. Exploitation evidence confirmed heavy casualties among the attackers.

Lieutenant Atokolo emphasized that the sacrifices of OPHK personnel reflect their unwavering commitment to securing lives, dismantling terrorist networks, and protecting the North East region. Operations will continue until all threats are eliminated.