Nigerian Troops Recovered 74 C0rpses Of Terrorists, Foiled Drone-Assisted Att∆ck In North-East — DHQ

Nigerian Troops Recovered 74 Corpses Of Terrorists, Foiled Drone-Assisted Attack In North-East — DHQ

The military said a follow-up exploitation operation led to the recovery of the bodies alongside a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube.

At least 74 corpses of suspected terrorists were recovered by troops of Operation Hadin Kai under the Nigerian Army during intensified military operations across the North-East, the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has said.

In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the recoveries followed a series of coordinated offensives conducted between March 13 and March 19.

According to him, the troops also successfully foiled what he described as a “complex drone-assisted attack,” signalling a growing shift in tactics by insurgent groups operating in the region.

The military said a follow-up exploitation operation led to the recovery of the bodies alongside a cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube.

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

He added that multiple infiltration attempts were thwarted in Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while several logistics suppliers and suspected informants linked to the insurgents were arrested.

“Coordinated air and ground operations also repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, degrading ISWAP capabilities,” the statement said.

Beyond the North-East, the Defence Headquarters said troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba State, recovering ammunition, cash and motorcycles.

It added that operations in Plateau and Benue states led to the rescue of abducted victims, 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,” Onoja said.

In the Niger Delta region, the military said it intensified its crackdown on oil theft, with troops under Operation Delta Safe uncovering illegal bunkering sites and intercepting large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

The operations, according to the statement, led to arrests in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states over alleged involvement in kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking.

Troops were also said to have dismantled several illegal refining sites and seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products, alongside vehicles and boats used for transporting stolen fuel.

Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka reportedly neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo State, while additional clearance operations in Ebonyi and Cross River states led to the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons.

Despite the military’s claims of significant gains, concerns persist over the continued attacks and evolving tactics of insurgent groups, particularly the reported use of drones in combat operations.