Army recovers 74 terrorist bodies in ongoing operations – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai recovered no fewer than 74 terrorist bodies during intensified military operations in Nigeria’s North-East.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, covering activities between March 13 and March 19.

According to the statement, the troops recorded significant successes, including the killing of several terrorists and the foiling of a complex drone-assisted attack.

A follow-up exploitation operation led to the recovery of 74 bodies, along with a cache of weapons such as 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube.

Onoja further revealed that troops repelled “a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno,” eliminating 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.

Beyond the North-East, the military recorded additional gains across other regions of the country.

In Taraba State, troops intercepted suspected gunrunners and recovered ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. They also rescued kidnapped victims in Plateau and Benue states, while disrupting illegal mining activities 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, the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and related crimes, uncovering illegal bunkering sites and intercepting large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

Operations in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking. Troops also dismantled illegal refining sites and seized over 3,000 litres of refined products, along with vehicles and boats used for transporting stolen fuel.

Additionally, anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.

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