Military pounds terrorists, kills commanders 

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several terrorists and foiled a complex drone-assisted attack during intensified operations in the North-East.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while giving an update on military operations from March 13 to March 19.

Onoja said troops repelled a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.

He said follow-up exploitation operations led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and a cache of arms, 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.

Onoja added that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash and motorcycles.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists and restoring stability in the region.

In the North West, Onoja, said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, rescuing kidnapped victims and disrupting criminal networks.

He said troops neutralised terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara and recovered arms and 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.

Onoja added that a female ammunition courier intercepted in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics networks.

In the North-Central, he said troops of Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace arrested suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers in Kwara, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

He said troops also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the FCT and adjoining 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, Onoja said the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities in the region, recording multiple arrests and recoveries.

He said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

He said operations in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in 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.

Onoja added that anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.

In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo.

He added that clearance operations also led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of weapons in Ebonyi and Cross River.

According to him, the successes underscore the military’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order nationwide.