Troops repel ISWAP attack in Adamawa, neutralise two terrorists, rescue kidnap victims

Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutalizing two insurgents, rescuing kidnapped civilians, recovering arms, ammunition and improvised explosive materials in separate operations in Adamawa State.

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East)Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. 

According to the statement, terrorists launched an assault on troops deployed at Zangula Kilba Junction in Gombi Local Government Area on November 8, 2026. 

The troops responded with superior firepower and successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw after suffering casualties.

Two terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, 115 rounds of PKT ammunition, three belts of empty PKT ammunition links, and two cases of locally made bombs,

Similarly, troops rescued three victims kidnapped in Mubi South Local Government Area of the state. 

“Troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes in Adamawa State, decisively crushing a terrorist assault, rescuing three kidnapped civilians and recovering arms, ammunition and improvised explosive materials in separate operations,” the statement read.

"On 8 November 2026, troops deployed at Zangula Kilba Junction in Gombi Local Government Area successfully neutralized an attempted attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Demonstrating superior combat readiness, tactical resilience and determination, the troops decisively overwhelmed the attackers, neutralising two terrorists and forcing others to flee.

"Following the encounter, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, 115 rounds of ammunition, three belts of empty ammunition links and two cases of locally fabricated explosive devices.

"Other recovered items included a pair of desert boots, a camelback backpack, an Android phone, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦15,000.

Exploitation operations are still ongoing to track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.

"In a related development on 9 November 2026, troops deployed in Mubi swiftly responded to a distress call from farmers around Dutse-Uku in Mubi South Local Government Area following the abduction of Mrs Happiness Dama Dauda while working on her farm. The suspected kidnappers had also reportedly taken her motorcycle.

"Acting promptly and in collaboration with local hunters, the troops mobilised to the area and mounted pressure on the suspected kidnappers, compelling them to abandon their victim and flee.

"Sustained pursuit operations subsequently led to the rescue of two additional locals suspected to have been abducted earlier, bringing the total number of rescued victims to three.

"During the operation, troops also recovered one motorcycle, one tricycle conveying 15 bags of beans and one Hi-Jet pickup conveying 13 bags of groundnuts belonging to other farmers who narrowly escaped the kidnappers. The recovered items were identified by the respective village heads and handed over to their rightful owners.

"Troops have sustained aggressive patrols and surveillance across the general area to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

"These operational successes demonstrate the Nigerian Army's unwavering resolve to frustrate terrorist ambitions, dismantle their capabilities and protect innocent citizens from violence and abduction. 

"They also underscore the importance of timely intelligence sharing and effective collaboration between security forces and local communities in defeating terrorism and other security threats.

"Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining relentless operational pressure on terrorist elements and their collaborators, ensuring they are denied the freedom and capacity to threaten the peace, security and livelihoods of residents across the North East.