Nigerian Army troops on patrol
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major gains in the North-East, recovering no fewer than 74 terrorist bodies during recent offensives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the military said the achievement followed a series of coordinated operations carried out between March 13 and March 19. The update, signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, also revealed that troops successfully repelled a sophisticated drone-assisted attack while eliminating several insurgents.
According to Onoja, a follow-up exploitation mission led to the recovery of the bodies alongside a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube. He noted that the operations reflect the Armed Forces’ sustained efforts to protect critical infrastructure and maintain security across the country.
Providing further details, Onoja said troops repelled “a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno,” where dozens of fighters, including senior commanders, were neutralised.
“Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while key logistics suppliers and informants were arrested.
“Coordinated air and ground operations also repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, degrading ISWAP capabilities,” he said.
Beyond the North-East, the military reported additional successes in other parts of the country. Onoja disclosed that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. He added that kidnapped victims were rescued in Plateau and Benue states, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby areas.
“These operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.
In the Niger Delta, the military intensified its clampdown on oil theft and related crimes under Operation Delta Safe. Onoja said troops uncovered illegal bunkering sites, seized large volumes of stolen petroleum products, and arrested suspects linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.
“Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products, and intercepted vehicles and boats conveying stolen fuel,” he said.
He further noted that anti-drug operations led to multiple arrests and the recovery of illicit substances.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops under Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists in Imo State and recovered improvised explosive devices. Additional clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River states resulted in the arrest of suspected cultists and the seizure of weapons.
The DHQ maintained that ongoing operations across the country remain focused on dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability in affected regions.
