Troops storm Boko Haram, ISWAP camp in Adamawa, kill 21

Troops conducting counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State have killed 21 terrorists and destroyed a Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in Hong Local Government Area.

The operation was carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said in a statement on Friday that the offensive took place in the early hours of August 27.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the Kopre Mountain area.

According to Goni, the assault team included personnel from the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted soldiers of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa.

The troops reportedly made a stealth approach through the rugged terrain before launching a precision attack on the terrorists’ camp.

Goni said the operation was also aimed at advancing efforts to rescue people abducted by terrorists, including victims taken from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren kidnapped in Lassa in June.

He said the troops encountered the terrorists twice during the operation, killing 21 of them, while several others managed to flee with gunshot wounds.

After securing the area, the troops dismantled the camp and destroyed infrastructure used by the terrorists to support their activities.

“Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have supported terrorist logistics and mobility, were destroyed in situ,” he said.

The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition during a search of the camp.

Goni said the operation had significantly weakened the terrorists’ operational capacity and restricted their ability to operate freely in the area.

He described the operation as evidence of the troops’ tactical proficiency, effective use of intelligence and ability to conduct operations in challenging terrain.

The Military High Command, he added, commended the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and effective coordination.

Goni said the military would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and rescuing abducted persons across the North East.

He assured that troops would sustain efforts to destroy terrorist logistics and fighting capabilities, while preventing the insurgents from establishing safe havens or moving freely.

He said the operations would continue until abducted persons were found and rescued and lasting peace and security restored across the region.