By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops conducting counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State have killed more than 21 suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during an offensive around the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Tactical Team and personnel of the 226 Battalion, followed intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the mountainous terrain.

The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, troops moved into the difficult terrain in the early hours of Wednesday and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters.

“More than 21 suspected terrorists were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the military spokesman said.

Goni said the troops subsequently overran the terrorists’ camp, destroying structures, equipment and supplies believed to have been used to sustain their activities in the area.

Items destroyed during the operation included motorcycles, bicycles and jerry cans containing petrol, which the military said were part of the terrorists’ logistical network.

The troops also recovered several weapons and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm ammunition.

The latest offensive is part of intensified military efforts to locate civilians abducted from communities in the North-East and disrupt terrorist networks operating across the region.

The military said the operation was linked to efforts to trace victims abducted from the Mussa community and the Lassa school following separate incidents reported in 2026.

Hong Local Government Area, characterised by rugged mountains and extensive forest cover, has remained challenging for security forces because of the terrain, which can provide hiding places for armed groups.

The military has increasingly relied on intelligence-driven operations, supported by ground troops, to locate terrorist hideouts, destroy their logistics and rescue civilians held by insurgents.

Goni assured that Operation Hadin Kai would sustain its offensive against terrorist groups, with particular attention to locating abducted persons and dismantling camps and supply routes used by the insurgents.