The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army recovered no fewer than 74 terrorist bodies following intensified operations in the North-East.
In a statement released on Friday, the military said several terrorists were neutralised and a complex drone-assisted attack was foiled during the operations.
The statement, signed by Michael Onoja, who represents Defence Media Operations, noted that the achievements were recorded between March 13 and March 19.
He said the successes highlight the military’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order across the country.
A follow-up operation led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube.
Onoja added that troops repelled “a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno,” killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.
“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.
He further disclosed that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles.
According to him, soldiers also rescued kidnapped victims 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,” he said.
In the Niger Delta, Onoja said the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and related crimes, leading to several arrests and recoveries.
He noted that troops under Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large volumes of stolen petroleum products.
Operations carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states also led to the arrest of suspects linked to 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 seizure of illicit substances.
In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo State, while clearance operations led to the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons in Ebonyi and Cross River states.