Nigeria’s military has reported a series of coordinated successes across multiple regions, including the elimination of dozens of insurgents, the disruption of a drone-backed terrorist assault in the North-East, and intensified crackdowns on criminal networks nationwide.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the director of defence media operations, Michael Onoja, provided a summary of operational activities carried out between March 13 and March 19 under the supervision of the defence headquarters.
According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a large-scale terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, located in Abadam local government area of Borno state.
The confrontation, it was gathered, led to the elimination of dozens of insurgents, including top commanders, while follow-up operations uncovered dozens of bodies and a significant weapons stockpile.
Recovered items included dozens of assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenade equipment, further weakening insurgent capabilities in the region.
“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.
Beyond the North-East, Onoja noted that troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Taraba state, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles, while reaffirming the armed forces’ determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups.
In the North-West, operations conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma led to the rescue of abducted victims and the dismantling of criminal cells across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.
Security forces also neutralised armed elements in Shinkafi and prevented a kidnapping attempt involving a cleric in Kaduna.
“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.
The operations also exposed supply chains supporting criminal groups, including the arrest of a female courier transporting hundreds of rounds of ammunition in Kano.
In the North-central region, personnel deployed under Operation Savannah Shield and Operation Enduring Peace carried out arrests of suspected terrorists and logistics operatives in Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa states.
Rescue missions were also conducted in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining operations were disrupted within the federal capital territory and nearby 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, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft, dismantling illegal refining sites and seizing thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products.
Arrests were also made in connection with kidnapping, illicit refining, and drug-related offences 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.
Meanwhile, in the South-east, operations under Operation Udo Ka resulted in the neutralisation of suspected militants and the recovery of improvised explosive devices in Imo State.
Additional arrests and weapon recoveries were recorded during clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River.
Onoja said the outcomes from these operations reflect the military’s continued commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining security across the country.
Comments