Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Tactical Team of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have dismantled a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP hideout at Kopre Mountain in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday following intelligence on terrorist activities in the mountainous area, saw troops engage the insurgents in two separate encounters. The military said more than 21 terrorists were killed, while several others escaped into the surrounding terrain with gunshot wounds.

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According to the military, troops also destroyed the terrorists’ logistics facilities and recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines and a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition. Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were also destroyed during the operation.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation was also aimed at locating and rescuing persons abducted from the Mussa and Lassa axis. He said troops would continue combing the area until the victims are found.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds, degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities,” Goni said.

The military command commended the troops and ONSA personnel for their coordination, gallantry and professionalism, saying the operation demonstrated the ability of Nigerian forces to conduct combat operations in difficult and mountainous terrain.

It added that intelligence-led operations would continue across the North-East to disrupt terrorist camps, logistics networks and fighting capabilities.