Troops Repel Attacks, Recover Arms, Arrest Suspects Nationwide – DHQ
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has said troops deployed across various theatres of operation repelled multiple attacks, arrested suspected criminals and recovered arms and ammunition in operations conducted between March 13 and 19, 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operations were carried out under different joint task forces across the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled terrorist attacks in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and other locations, including Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa.
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The Defence Headquarters stated that troops also foiled infiltration attempts in Bita and arrested suspected collaborators in Gujba and Kaga LGAs.
It added that a terrorist spy and an informant were apprehended in Yobe and Borno states respectively.
“Troops successfully repelled a complex attack involving drones at Mallam Fatori in Abadam LGA. Exploitation operations led to the discovery of 74 terrorist bodies and recovery of arms and ammunition,” the statement said.
In Taraba State, troops intercepted two suspected gunrunners along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road and recovered ammunition, motorcycles and cash.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists in Zamfara State, where several were neutralised and arms recovered.
The military also confirmed that four kidnapped victims who escaped from captivity were received by troops in Katsina State.
It added that troops thwarted an attempted abduction of a cleric in Kaduna State, while arrests of suspected collaborators were made in Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi states.
The statement further revealed that a female ammunition courier was intercepted by operatives of the Department of State Services in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition.
In the North-Central, troops under Operation Savannah Shield arrested a suspect supplying motorcycles intended for terrorist use in Kwara State, while two suspected terrorists were later apprehended in connection with the delivery.
Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue states and arrested suspected criminals in several communities.
The military also disclosed that an illegal mining site along the Chaza–Izom axis extending into Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory was dismantled, with eight suspects arrested.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke responded to security threats in Benue State, apprehending suspects and recovering locally fabricated weapons, including rifles and pistols.
In Nasarawa State, a suspected gunrunner was arrested with ammunition in a joint operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested suspected kidnappers, drug peddlers and ammunition couriers in Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River states.
The military said troops also uncovered illegal oil bunkering and refining sites, recovering large quantities of petroleum products and dismantling facilities.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka repelled an attack on a suspected hideout in Imo State and neutralised two suspected improvised explosive device specialists.
Recovered items included explosive devices, communication equipment and other materials.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
