Nigerian Military Reports Sustained Pressure on Terrorist and Criminal Networks Nationwide
Nigerian Armed Forces operations across multiple regions resulted in the killing of over 30 terrorists, the rescue of dozens of abducted victims, and the interception of significant weapons and supplies between March 7 and 12, a military spokesperson announced.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed the successes of coordinated offensives during a weekly briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that operations like HADIN KAI in the North East have systematically degraded terrorist capabilities by disrupting movements and supply chains.
In Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states, troops repelled several attacks. A notable confrontation in Goniri, Yobe, saw more than 20 terrorists neutralized, including a key commander identified as Abu Yusu. Forces recovered weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ammunition. In Borno, assaults on Forward Operating Bases were thwarted, and a cache of arms was seized. The operation also led to the rescue of kidnapping victims and the seizure of fuel supplies destined for insurgents. These actions contributed to the recovery of 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Adamawa.
Gen. Onoja highlighted that the sustained campaign under Operation HADIN KAI has prompted the surrender of 122,843 insurgents since 2015, underscoring the long-term pressure on terrorist networks.
Parallel operations in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeted bandits and terrorists. Troops rescued abducted victims from the Mpape-Kuyeri Forest along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, destroyed a terrorist enclave in Sokoto, and intercepted ammunition and rustled cattle in Kebbi and Sokoto.
In the North Central, operations including SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE maintained pressure across nine states. Key results included rescues in Kwara and Plateau states and the interception of explosives in Bauchi.
In the South-South and South-East, Operations DELTA SAFE and UDO KA focused on criminal networks and separatist elements, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Activities included dismantling illegal oil refining sites in Imo state, neutralising suspected kidnappers in Edo’s Egoro Forest, and disarming IEDs in Imo to improve civilian access.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the public for providing timely intelligence and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to troop welfare, inter-agency collaboration, and restoring lasting stability. The ongoing multinational operations, despite challenges, demonstrate the armed forces’ resolve to secure all regions, Gen. Onoja stated.
