In a display of resilience and tactical superiority, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully thwarted two significant terrorist attacks in the North East region. The operations, which took place on January 16, 2026, saw security forces repel assaults in both Borno and Adamawa states, inflicting severe losses on the insurgents.
Coordinated Assaults Repelled in Adamawa and Borno
According to a statement released by Lieutenant SA Atokolo, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the first incident occurred in the early hours of the day. Terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base located at Sabon Gari in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. This attack fell under the jurisdiction of Sector 4 of OPHK.
Alert troops stationed at the base swiftly engaged the attackers. Their response was bolstered by timely reinforcements dispatched from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force. The military's decisive action forced the assailants to abandon their mission. The area was subsequently cleared and scanned for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and booby traps, ensuring the safety of both civilians and military personnel. Notably, the operation concluded without any casualties to troops or loss of equipment.
Large-Scale Attack on Borno Base Crushed
In a related and more intense engagement on the same day, terrorists launched a major, multi-directional assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The attackers initiated their offensive by trying to breach a section of the base's defensive perimeter.
They were, however, met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from the gallant troops defending the position. The ground forces received crucial support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. A fierce firefight ensued, lasting for over an hour, after which the terrorists were decisively overpowered and compelled to withdraw in disarray.
During this intense exchange, the terrorists fired Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The RPG fire partially gutted some Troop Carrying Vehicles and the CCTV control room at the base. Despite this damage, the troops maintained firm control of the situation throughout the engagement.
Significant Recoveries and Decisive Air Strikes
The victory yielded substantial gains for the Nigerian military. From the fleeing terrorists, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
- A 60mm mortar tube and mortar bombs
- Locally fabricated explosives
- Heavy machine gun rounds
- Hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
The military's response did not end at the base perimeter. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms immediately tracked the terrorists as they fled. This real-time tracking enabled follow-up operations along their identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK.
Nigerian Air Force platforms conducted precision strikes on the retreating fighters. These aerial attacks neutralised additional scores of terrorists, dealing a devastating blow to the group's operational strength and morale. Post-operation evidence confirmed that the assailants suffered heavy casualties.
In his statement, Lieutenant Atokolo emphasized that the sacrifices and successes of the personnel highlight the unwavering commitment of the troops to securing lives and property. He stressed that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai remain resolute in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks, and protect the integrity of Nigeria's North East region.
