Troops Recover 74 Terrorists’ Bodies, Foil Drone-Assisted Attack DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai recovered no fewer than 74 bodies of terrorists following intensified operations in the North-East.

Naija News reports that the military also said it foiled a complex drone-assisted attack during the operations.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military activities between March 13 and March 19.

According to him, follow-up exploitation operations led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and several weapons. He said the recovered arms included “38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube.”

Onoja disclosed that troops repelled a major assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents, including senior commanders.

He added that troops also foiled multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga LGAs.

“Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while key logistics suppliers and informants were arrested,” he said.

He further noted that coordinated air and ground operations successfully repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, significantly weakening ISWAP’s operational capacity.

The defence spokesman said troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba State, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles.

He added that abducted victims were rescued in Plateau and Benue states, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring areas.

“These operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of citizens,” Onoja stated.

In the Niger Delta, Onoja said troops intensified operations against oil theft and related crimes, leading to several arrests and recoveries.

He said troops uncovered illegal bunkering sites and seized large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

“Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products, and intercepted vehicles and boats conveying stolen fuel,” he added.

He further disclosed that suspects linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking were arrested in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.

South-East Operations Yield Results

Onoja also revealed that troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo State.

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

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