Military says 16 terrorists killed in Adamawa operations as three soldiers die

Nigeria’s Joint Task Force North East has reported that 16 terrorists were killed during coordinated operations in Adamawa State between September 30 and October 1, 2026. The force said the actions took place in Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai and involved a ground ambush, a precision air strike and defensive operations against attacks on military positions. The account was contained in a statement by the task force’s acting military information officer, Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, troops ambushed a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area. They recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges. The military also said an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform detected about 16 terrorists gathered with 15 motorcycles under tree cover in Sector 4.

It said an air strike carried out at about 5.30 a.m. on October 1 hit the target, after which surviving elements scattered. Separately, insurgents attacked positions at 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha, according to the statement.

Troops said they repelled the attacks and forced the assailants to withdraw. The operation came at a cost to the military. Three soldiers were killed during the fighting, while wounded personnel were evacuated and reported to be receiving treatment in stable condition.

Follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations were continuing, the task force said. The Theatre Command linked the operations to an ongoing effort to improve coordination between land and air forces. It urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies as counter-terrorism operations continue in the North East.