The Nigerian military has recorded major successes in its ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities across the country, killing dozens of insurgents, stopping a drone-assisted attack, and rescuing kidnapped victims in several regions.
The Defence Headquarters made this known during a weekly briefing in Abuja, covering military operations carried out between March 13 and March 19.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, troops under Operation Hadin Kai achieved significant victories in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, which has remained the centre of insurgency activities for over a decade.
Onoja said troops successfully repelled a major terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, located in Abadam Local Government Area of the state. The attackers, believed to be members of extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad region, launched a coordinated assault that included the use of drones.
He explained that soldiers engaged the fighters in a fierce battle, killing many of them, including top commanders. After the clash, troops carried out follow-up operations in the area and recovered 74 bodies of terrorists along with a large cache of weapons.
The recovered items included 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher. This level of recovery, according to military authorities, shows the scale of the planned attack and the strength of the terrorists.
Mallam Fatori has been a flashpoint in recent years due to its proximity to Nigeria’s borders with neighbouring countries, making it a strategic area for insurgents.
One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the foiling of a drone-assisted attack. This development highlights a growing concern among security experts that terrorist groups in the region are adopting more advanced tactics.
Although the military did not give full details of how the drone was used, officials confirmed that troops were able to neutralize the threat before it caused damage.
Beyond Mallam Fatori, troops also stopped several infiltrations attempts in Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas. These areas have experienced repeated attacks in the past due to their location and terrain.
In addition, coordinated air and ground operations were carried out in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo. These efforts, according to Onoja, weakened the operational capacity of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the major terrorist groups in the region.
The military also arrested suspected logistics suppliers and informants who were allegedly supporting terrorist activities. Cutting off supply networks has been a key part of the military’s strategy in recent years.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma also recorded important achievements in Zamfara State, Katsina State, Kaduna State, and Kebbi State.
These states have been affected by banditry and kidnapping, with armed groups targeting villages, highways, and schools.
Onoja said troops killed several terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and recovered weapons and motorcycles used for attacks.
In Katsina State, four kidnapped victims were rescued, while in Kaduna State, soldiers stopped an attempted abduction of a cleric. The attackers were forced to flee after encountering troops.
A particularly notable arrest was that of a female ammunition courier in Kano, who was found carrying 884 rounds of ammunition. This, according to the military, shows that women are sometimes used in logistics roles by criminal groups to avoid suspicion.
The military also reported successes in the North-Central region under Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace.
Arrests were made in Kwara State, Plateau State, and Nasarawa State, where suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers were apprehended.
Troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Plateau and Benue State, areas that have experienced repeated clashes between armed groups and local communities.
Illegal mining activities were also disrupted in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas. Authorities say illegal mining has been linked to funding criminal networks and causing environmental damage.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft and illegal refining.
Operations carried out in Delta State, Bayelsa State, and Rivers State led to the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking.
The military uncovered illegal bunkering sites and seized more than 3,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Vehicles and boats used to transport the products were also intercepted.
Oil theft has long been a major challenge in the Niger Delta, costing the country billions of naira in lost revenue each year.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka carried out operations in Imo State, where suspected terrorists were neutralised and improvised explosive devices recovered.
Further operations in Ebonyi State and Cross River State led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of weapons.
The South-East has seen rising security challenges in recent years, including attacks on security personnel and government facilities.
The Defence Headquarters said the recent successes show the Armed Forces’ determination to restore peace and security across the country.
Onoja stressed that the military would continue to maintain pressure on terrorists and criminal groups, while working to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
Nigeria has faced multiple security challenges in different regions, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in the North-Central, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and unrest in the South-East.