Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks in Adamawa, Borno; Scores Neutralised in Follow-Up Airstrikes
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, neutralising several fighters during ground engagements and subsequent air interdiction 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 assault was repelled without any casualties to troops or damage to equipment, forcing the attackers to withdraw. The area was later cleared and scanned for improvised explosive devices to ensure safety.
On the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Azir in Borno State. The attackers attempted to breach 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 an intense firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were overpowered and forced to retreat.
During the encounter, rocket-propelled grenade fire from the attackers damaged troop-carrying vehicles and partially affected the CCTV control room. Despite this, troops maintained control of the base. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds, and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Following the withdrawal of the attackers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms tracked their movement, enabling follow-up air operations along identified escape routes. Precision strikes by Nigerian Air Force assets reportedly neutralised additional terrorists, inflicting heavy losses on the group.
The military said the operations underscore the resolve of troops to deny terrorists freedom of action and dismantle their networks. Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that offensive operations across the North-East will continue until all threats are eliminated.
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