The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several terrorists and foiled a complex drone-assisted attack during intensified operations in the North-East.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military activities conducted between 13 March and 19 March 2026.
Onoja said troops successfully repelled a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents, including senior commanders.
He added that follow-up clearance operations led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and a 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 further disclosed that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba State, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles.
In the North-West, he said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded significant gains across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and disruption of criminal networks.
“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 also revealed that a female ammunition courier was intercepted in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition, underscoring ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks.
Providing updates on the North-Central region, Onoja said troops of Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace arrested suspected terrorists and couriers in Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa states, while also rescuing abducted victims and disrupting illegal mining activities in 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, the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and related crimes, uncovering illegal refining sites and intercepting large volumes of stolen petroleum products across 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.
Onoja added that anti-drug operations in the region also led to the arrest of several suspects and recovery of illicit substances.
In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists in Imo State and recovered improvised explosive devices, while additional operations in Ebonyi and Cross River states led to the arrest of suspected cultists and seizure of weapons.
He noted that the outcomes reflect the military’s sustained commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order across the country.
