The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops under Operation Hadin Kai eliminated several terrorists and successfully thwarted a sophisticated drone-assisted assault amid intensified military operations in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing an update on military activities conducted between March 13 and March 19. He revealed that troops repelled a significant terrorist offensive in Mallam Fatori, located in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents, including top commanders.
Onoja further explained that subsequent exploitation operations resulted in the recovery of 74 terrorist corpses alongside a large cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube.
“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.
The defence spokesman also disclosed that suspected arms traffickers were intercepted in Taraba State, with troops recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. He reiterated the Armed Forces’ determination to maintain sustained pressure on terrorist groups and restore peace across affected areas.
In the North-West, Onoja stated that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma achieved notable successes across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi states. These efforts included the rescue of kidnapped victims and the disruption of criminal syndicates operating in the region.
According to him, troops eliminated terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and recovered weapons as well as motorcycles.
“In Katsina State, troops rescued four kidnapped victims, while in Kaduna, they foiled the abduction of a cleric, forcing the attackers to flee,” he said.
He added that the interception of a female ammunition courier in Kano, who was found with 884 rounds of ammunition, underscored ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics networks.
Providing updates on the North-Central zone, Onoja said troops involved in Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace apprehended suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers across Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa states. He noted that abducted victims were rescued in Plateau and Benue states, while illegal mining operations were disrupted within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding 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 region, the military intensified its campaign against oil theft and related criminal activities, leading to several arrests and seizures. Onoja said troops under Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering facilities and intercepted substantial volumes of stolen petroleum products.
He noted that operations carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states resulted in the arrest of individuals linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking.
“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 added that anti-drug efforts also led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.
In the South-East, Onoja reported that troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists in Imo State and recovered improvised explosive devices. He also stated that clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River states led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the seizure of weapons.
According to him, these achievements highlight the military’s ongoing commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order across the country.
