Troops neutralise 74 terrorists, eliminate key commanders, disrupt oil theft operations

2026-03-20 - 20:23

By Kingsley Omonobi The Defence Headquarters on Friday announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised no fewer than 74 terrorists, including senior commanders and bomb specialists, during coordinated operations across the country in the past week. The military also disclosed that several suspects linked to crude oil theft and other criminal activities were arrested, while oil thieves were denied access to about 3,660 litres of illegally refined petroleum products. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made the disclosure while briefing journalists on ongoing nationwide operations against insecurity. He said troops sustained pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, armed robbers and oil thieves across various theatres of operation. In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated terrorist attack involving drones in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. According to him, follow-up operations led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies, including top commanders, as well as arms and ammunition such as 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, an RPG tube and other combat materials. He added that troops also foiled another attack in Banki, Bama LGA, while operations in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa, supported by air components, resulted in the elimination of more insurgents, including a key commander. In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded successes in Zamfara State, Kaduna State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Katsina State, neutralising several terrorists during operations in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. Troops also foiled kidnap attempts and arrested collaborators and informants. Similarly, in the North-Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Savannah Shield arrested gunrunners, logistics suppliers and suspected collaborators in Benue State, Nasarawa State, Plateau State, Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory, while also rescuing kidnapped victims. In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe, working with the DSS, NDLEA and other agencies, arrested at least five suspected oil thieves in Bayelsa State, Delta State, Cross River State and Rivers State. The military said several illegal oil bunkering and refining sites were dismantled, including a major facility in Warri South LGA of Delta State. Troops also intercepted 660 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Ughelli North LGA and seized about 1,500 litres in Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State. Another illegal refining site uncovered in Tai LGA of Rivers State yielded about 1,500 litres of refined products. “Altogether, the Armed Forces denied oil thieves access to at least 3,660 litres of illegally refined petroleum products within the period under review,” Onoja said. In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka repelled attacks on suspected hideouts in Orsu LGA of Imo State, neutralising two improvised explosive device (IED) specialists and recovering explosives, materials, communication equipment and other combat items. The Defence Headquarters said the operational successes underscore the professionalism and resilience of the troops, adding that efforts would be intensified to eliminate remaining threats to national security. It also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to operating in line with established rules of engagement, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, while urging Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.