BY VICTOR BUORO – The Nigerian Army says about 74 terrorist bodies have so far been recovered in the North-East region following sustained operational pressure that led to their being neutralized by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the troops eliminated several terrorists, their commanders and foiled what it described as a complex drone-assisted attack on some military bases and civilian targets during the operations.
Reports quoting the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, who gave updates on military operations from March 13 to March 19 in Abuja on Friday, 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.
He disclosed that the troops also repelled “a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno,” killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders, adding: “Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while key logistics suppliers and informants were arrested.”
Further explaining that “Coordinated air and ground operations also repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, degrading ISWAP capabilities,” General Onoja said troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. He said troops also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the FCT and adjoining areas.
The Defence Spokesperson said, “These operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of citizens.”
In another development, General Onoja said the military is intensifying its crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities in the Niger Delta, recording multiple arrests and recoveries, adding that troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
Specifically, Onoja said sustained operations in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking, just as the “Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products, and intercepted vehicles and boats conveying stolen fuel.”
Similarly, he stated that anti-drug operations by the Nigerian Army also resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of illicit substances across the South South region.
The Defence Spokesman also offered an update of the Army activities in the South-East region, saying that troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo.
While also disclosing that ongoing clearance operations have resulted in the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons in Ebonyi and Cross River states, General Onoja said the recent victories achieved highlight the military’s dedication and commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order in all parts of the country. – With NAN reports
