Nigerian Military Crushes Drone-Aided Attack, Kills Key Terrorist Leaders in North-East

The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kaineutralised several terrorists and foiled a complex drone-assisted attack during intensified operations in the North-east.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made the disclosure Friday in Abuja, while giving an update on military operations from March 13 to March 19.

Onoja said troops repelled a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Watch the terrible Video Abadam local government area of Borno state, killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.

He said follow-up exploitation 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 tube.

“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.

Onoja added that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash and motorcycles.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists and restoring stability in the region.

In the North West, Onoja, said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, rescuing kidnapped victims and disrupting criminal networks.

He said troops neutralised terrorists in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara state and recovered arms and motorcycles.

“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.

Onoja added that a female ammunition courier intercepted in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics networks.

In the North-central, he said troops ofOperations Savannah ShieldandEnduring Peacearrested suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers in Kwara, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

He said troops also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the FCT and adjoining 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 criminal activities, recording multiple arrests and recoveries.

He said troops ofOperation Delta Safeuncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

He said operations in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in 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 recovery of illicit substances.

In the South-east, he said troops ofOperation Udo Kaneutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo.

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

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