The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant gains in the North-East, recovering no fewer than 74 terrorist bodies during intensified operations.
In a statement released on Friday, the military said its troops also neutralised several insurgents and foiled a complex, drone-assisted attack in the region.
The statement, signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the achievements were recorded between March 13 and March 19.
According to Onoja, the successes reflect the Armed Forces’ sustained commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining security across the country.
“A follow-up exploitation operation led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies, along with a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube,” he said.
He added that troops repelled a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.
Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while several logistics suppliers and informants were apprehended.
Onoja further disclosed that coordinated air and ground operations successfully repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, significantly degrading ISWAP’s operational capacity.
Beyond the North-East, troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba State, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. In separate operations, abducted victims were rescued in Plateau and Benue states, while illegal mining activities were disrupted 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,” Onoja said.
In the Niger Delta, the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and related crimes. Troops under Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
Operations across Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states also led to the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking.
According to Onoja, troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illicit petroleum products, and intercepted vehicles and boats used for transporting stolen fuel.
He added that anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo State. Clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River states also led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of weapons.
