ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian security forces have dismantled a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) camp in the rugged Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, killing more than 21 terrorists in an intelligence-led operation, the military said.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Tactical Team of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), targeted a terrorist stronghold believed to be linked to recent abductions in communities around the area.

The military said the assault followed credible intelligence on the activities and movements of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters operating in the mountainous terrain.

21 terrorists killed as troops storm mountain hideout

According to the Nigerian Army, troops made contact with the terrorists in two separate encounters, resulting in the neutralisation of more than 21 fighters.

Several other terrorists reportedly escaped from the area with gunshot wounds as troops pressed the offensive against the camp.

The operation also targeted the group’s logistical infrastructure, which the military said was destroyed to disrupt its ability to sustain operations, move fighters and supplies, and launch attacks against communities.

Among the weapons and equipment recovered or destroyed were AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm ammunition.

Troops also destroyed motorcycles and bicycles used for mobility, as well as jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which the military said formed part of the terrorists’ logistics network.

Operation linked to efforts to rescue abducted victims

The military said the raid was part of an ongoing operation to locate and rescue people abducted from Mussa community and the Lassa area of Adamawa State.

The Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops would continue intelligence-driven operations until the abducted persons were recovered.

“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.

He added that search-and-rescue operations had been intensified, with troops maintaining pressure on terrorist positions and pursuing fleeing fighters.

Military targets terrorist logistics in northeast

The destruction of the camp and its logistical assets is significant because Boko Haram and ISWAP have historically relied on remote hideouts and difficult terrain in northeastern Nigeria to store weapons, shelter fighters and organise attacks.

By targeting logistics as well as personnel, military operations seek to reduce the ability of terrorist groups to regroup and maintain sustained attacks.

The Nigerian Army has increasingly emphasised intelligence-led operations, coordination among security agencies and the disruption of terrorist supply networks as part of the broader campaign against insurgency in the Northeast.

The Kopre Mountain operation also highlights the challenges posed by the region’s difficult geography, where mountainous and forested areas can provide concealment and escape routes for armed groups.

Army praises joint operation

The military high command commended the troops and the ONSA Tactical Team for what it described as “gallantry, professionalism, resilience and seamless coordination.”

It said the operation demonstrated the security forces’ ability to project combat power into difficult terrain and deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and action.

The military said troops would sustain operations across the affected areas, with particular emphasis on locating abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading their fighting and logistical capabilities.

For communities in Adamawa and other parts of northeastern Nigeria, the continued military pressure is aimed at reducing the threat posed by insurgent groups while improving the security environment for residents and economic activity.