No fewer than 21 suspected terrorists have been neutralised by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, with several others wounded.

This was disclosed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to the statement, “The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State.”

“The troops acted on credible intelligence before making a stealth insertion into the mountainous terrain and launching a precision strike on the camp.”

The statement further said the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in two separate encounters before gaining control of the area, dismantling the camp and destroying associated logistics infrastructure.

Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit, which the military said were believed to have been used for terrorist logistics and mobility, were also destroyed.

The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the operation.

Goni said the troops demonstrated their ability to conduct intelligence-led operations in difficult terrain and disrupt terrorist logistics and freedom of movement.

He noted that the troops were intensifying efforts to locate and rescue persons abducted by terrorist elements.

While assuring residents that efforts would continue until all abducted persons were located and rescued and lasting peace and security restored across the North-East region, he said Operation HADIN KAI would continue its operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds. (Sunday Tribune)