The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully neutralised 114 terrorists and rescued 60 abducted individuals during military operations in August. This information was disclosed by Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja.

Throughout the month, the military conducted aggressive counter-terrorism operations across several states in the North East, including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi. These operations targeted not only terrorist fighters but also their logistical networks and informants. In addition to the neutralised terrorists, the operations led to the arrest of 146 suspects and the surrender of 201 terrorists.

Among the notable rescue missions, troops freed two women and two children near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza on August 1, who had been held captive since the start of the 2023 farming season. On August 3, they rescued 18-year-old Blessing Tugul, who had been abducted in November 2025. The military provided her with medical attention before reuniting her with her family.

Further rescue efforts included the retrieval of five women on August 10, who had escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Additionally, on August 17, a 63-year-old Cameroonian national was rescued, along with eight other abductees, on August 22.

Onoja highlighted the importance of intelligence-led operations, which have been instrumental in dismantling terrorist support structures. In one instance, two suspected logistics suppliers were apprehended in Monguno on August 3, with provisions meant for terrorist camps. Other arrests of logistics facilitators and suspected informants were made throughout the month in various locations, including Adamawa and Borno.

The military's proactive measures also included neutralising a terrorist at a hideout in Biu on August 7 and repelling a two-pronged attack in Mandaragirau on August 15, resulting in the recovery of weapons and ammunition.

Significantly, between August 22 and August 27, troops conducted a successful clearance operation at Koprik Mountain in Hong, where they neutralised 21 terrorists and recovered substantial military supplies, including six AK-47 rifles and 586 rounds of ammunition. On August 28, a major terrorist attack on Kukawa was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations, leading to the neutralisation of 25 terrorists and the destruction of 10 motorcycles.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja assured the public that the military remains committed to working alongside other security agencies to protect lives and maintain peace in affected communities. He emphasized the military's resolve to continue offensive operations against terrorism and other forms of criminality, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding national security.