Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, repelling the assailants and neutralised scores of fleeing terrorists during follow-up operations supported by air assets.
The incidents occurred in the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026. In Adamawa State, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali Local Government Area under Sector 4 of OPHK. Alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, with reinforcements arriving from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force. The assault was repelled without any casualty to troops or loss of equipment, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. The area was subsequently cleared and scanned for improvised explosive devices and booby traps to ensure safety.
In a related development the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The attackers attempted to breach sections of the defensive perimeter but were met with sustained firepower from troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat.
During the engagement, rocket-propelled grenade fire affected troop-carrying vehicles and the CCTV control room, which were partially damaged. Troops, however, maintained control of the situation. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the attackers, including a 60mm mortar tube and bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Following the withdrawal, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms tracked the fleeing terrorists along identified routes. Precision strikes by Nigerian Air Force platforms during follow-up operations led to the neutralisation of additional scores of terrorists, dealing a significant blow to their fighting strength and morale. Exploitation of the area confirmed heavy casualties among the attackers.
Operation HADIN KAI said the outcome underscored the resilience and commitment of troops to secure lives and property in the North East. The task force reaffirmed its resolve to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks and sustain operations until all threats are eliminated.
