The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated, drone-assisted terrorist attack in the North-East, killing several fighters and recovering weapons during intensified operations.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an update on military activities conducted between March 13 and March 19. He said troops thwarted a major assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, eliminating dozens of insurgents, including senior commanders.

According to him, follow-up operations led to the recovery of 74 bodies of terrorists and a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube. Troops also blocked multiple infiltration attempts in Bama, Gujba and Kaga local government areas, while arresting suspected logistics suppliers and informants.

Onoja added that coordinated air and ground offensives repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai and Njimtilo, weakening the operational strength of ISWAP fighters. In Taraba State, troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers and recovered ammunition, cash and motorcycles.

In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded successes across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states. Operations in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara led to the killing of terrorists and seizure of weapons and motorcycles. In Katsina, four kidnapped victims were rescued, while in Kaduna, troops foiled an attempted abduction of a cleric.

A separate operation in Kano resulted in the arrest of a female suspect allegedly transporting 884 rounds of ammunition, indicating ongoing efforts to disrupt supply networks.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace arrested suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers in Kwara, Plateau and Nasarawa states. Security forces also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while cracking down on illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe intensified its campaign against crude oil theft, leading to multiple arrests and the discovery of illegal refining sites. Security operatives seized over 3,000 litres of refined petroleum products and intercepted vehicles and boats used for transporting stolen fuel in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

Anti-drug operations also led to the arrest of suspects and recovery of illicit substances.

In the South-East, troops of 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 recovery of arms.

The Defence Headquarters said the operations reflect the military’s sustained efforts to combat insecurity, protect critical infrastructure and maintain law and order across the country.