Troops Repel Boko Haram, Foil Kidnap in Adamawa Raid

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in a swift and coordinated joint operation with the Nigeria Police and local Joint Task Force (JTF), have successfully thwarted a dangerous attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to abduct villagers in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The incident, which unfolded around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, saw a group of about 15 heavily armed terrorists storm Kombla community in the Krichinga District of Madagali, a region long considered a hotbed for insurgent activities. The prompt and decisive response by the combined security forces prevented what could have been a tragic mass abduction, a tactic increasingly employed by terror groups in the North East to sow fear and raise funds through ransom. This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the military’s new comprehensive approach to counter-insurgency and their collaboration with local security outfits.

Madagali Local Government Area, which borders Borno State, has historically borne the brunt of Boko Haram’s violence. The area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest, a well-known insurgent stronghold, has made its towns and villages particularly vulnerable to incessant attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. The lack of a strong formal police presence in some remote communities has forced residents to rely heavily on local vigilante and hunter associations for security. This reality underscores the critical importance of the partnership between the military and these local forces. The synergy between Operation Hadin Kai, the police, and the local JTF was evident in the speed of their response. As the insurgents attempted to seize residents, they were met with stiff resistance, as the troops, backed by the local JTF’s deep knowledge of the terrain, swiftly engaged them in a fierce gun duel. The swift and coordinated action left the terrorists with no option but to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bush paths, leaving behind a trail of fear and broken promises.

The successful operation is part of the broader mandate of Operation Hadin Kai, a comprehensive military and civil-military strategy launched in 2021 to degrade the capabilities of insurgent groups and restore normalcy to the North East. The operation’s success hinges on a “whole-of-society approach,” which emphasizes intelligence gathering, community engagement, and leveraging the local knowledge of civilian joint task forces. The JTF, which comprises local vigilantes and hunters, often serves as the eyes and ears of the military, providing crucial intelligence on the movements and plans of insurgents. The collaboration has become a cornerstone of the counter-insurgency campaign, allowing the military to carry out precise, targeted operations with a higher degree of success and less risk to civilian populations. The effective partnership in Kombla community is a powerful example of this strategy in action, showing that local resistance and military resolve can effectively push back against a determined enemy and secure vulnerable communities. This collaborative model is a vital step toward creating a sustainable security architecture in the region, one that is built on trust and a shared commitment to peace.

In the aftermath of the attack, pursuit operations are currently ongoing. The military and supporting security elements are combing the bushes and surrounding areas to track down the fleeing terrorists. This aggressive follow-up operation is crucial not only for neutralizing the immediate threat but also for sending a clear message to insurgents that there will be no safe haven for their activities. In addition, security forces have reinforced their presence in the area to restore the confidence of the residents and prevent any further attacks. For the villagers of Kombla community, the incident is a stark reminder of the ever-present danger that lurks in the shadows, but it is also a source of immense relief. The rapid response of the troops averted a potential disaster, saving countless lives and protecting the community’s fragile peace. The courage and commitment of the Nigerian troops and their local allies in the face of such a formidable enemy have given the people of Madagali and other affected areas a reason to hope that the long-running war against insurgency is finally nearing its end.