By James
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The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their nationwide offensive against terrorism and criminality, recording major breakthroughs including the foiling of a sophisticated drone-assisted attack in the North-East and the elimination of several high-ranking terrorist commanders.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting a comprehensive update on military activities conducted between March 13 and March 19, adding that no fewer than 74 terrorist bodies were recovered by the Nigerian Army.
In one of the most significant encounters of the week, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a large-scale terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault, believed to have been aided by drone surveillance, was decisively crushed.
Dozens of insurgents, including top commanders, were neutralised. Follow-up clearance 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 launcher.
Troops also foiled multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga, while coordinated air and ground offensives in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo further weakened ISWAP’s operational capabilities. Several logistics suppliers and informants were arrested.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma delivered significant gains across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi States.
Troops neutralised armed bandits in Shinkafi (Zamfara), recovering weapons and operational motorcycles. In Katsina, security forces rescued kidnapped victims, while in Kaduna, troops foiled the abduction of a cleric, forcing attackers to flee.
In a critical breakthrough against arms trafficking, a female ammunition courier was intercepted in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition, highlighting intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist supply chains.
Troops under Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace recorded arrests of suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers in Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.
Security forces also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities, often linked to armed groups, were disrupted in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft and economic sabotage.
Troops uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and dismantled refining camps across Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. Over 3,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products were seized, alongside vehicles and boats used for transporting stolen fuel.
Multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking were arrested, while anti-drug operations led to the recovery of illicit substances.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka recorded successes with the neutralisation of suspected terrorists in Imo State and the recovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Further clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River States led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of weapons, reinforcing efforts to restore law and order.
Major-General Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, and criminal networks across Nigeria.
He emphasised that the latest operations reflect a coordinated, multi-front strategy aimed at restoring national security, protecting lives, and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
As security challenges evolve, particularly with the increasing use of drone technology by insurgents, the Nigerian military continues to adapt its tactics in a sustained push to stabilise affected regions and safeguard citizens.
