The Defence Headquarters has intensified operations in the Northeast, with troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralizing multiple terrorists and preventing a sophisticated drone-assisted strike. Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media activities, revealed this on Friday, March 20, 2026, while providing updates on military activities from March 13 to March 19

.According to Onoja, dozens of combatants, including senior leaders, were killed as forces repelled a significant terrorist attack in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno. The attack, which involved armed drones, was foiled by coordinated air and ground operations

“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 noted.

He reiterated the military’s dedication to maintaining pressure on terrorists and bringing normalcy back to the area.

A female courier carrying 884 rounds of ammunition was intercepted in Kano, Onoja continued, highlighting continued efforts to destroy logistics networks.

He said that soldiers from Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace detained suspected terrorists and couriers carrying munitions in the states of Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa in the North-Central.

According to Onoja, Operation Fansan Yamma forces made significant progress in the North West by rescuing kidnapped victims and disrupting criminal networks in the states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi.

He claimed that in Zamfara’s Shinkafi Local Government Area, forces killed terrorists and found weapons and motorcycles.

In the Niger Delta, Onoja said the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities in the, recording multiple arrests and recoveries.

He said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

He said operations in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal refining and drug trafficking.