General News
Nigerian Troops Foil Drone Attack, Recover 74 Terrorists’ Bodies in Major North-East Crackdown
The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops operating in the North-East have recovered 74 bodies of suspected terrorists following a series of coordinated offensives, including the disruption of a drone-assisted attack.
The military said the operations, conducted between March 13 and March 19 under Operation Hadin Kai, underscore a shift in tactics by insurgent groups in the region.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed that troops successfully foiled what he described as a “complex drone-assisted attack,” before launching follow-up missions that led to the recovery of weapons and the bodies of the নিহত fighters.
Recovered items include 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade tube.
In Borno State, troops reportedly repelled a major assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area, killing several insurgents, including top commanders. Additional attempts by fighters to infiltrate communities in Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas were also thwarted.
The military added that coordinated air and ground strikes in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo weakened the operational strength of Islamic State West Africa Province.
Outside the North-East, security operations extended to other regions. In Taraba State, suspected gunrunners were intercepted with ammunition, cash, and motorcycles recovered.
Troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Plateau and Benue states, while illegal mining activities were disrupted within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
In the Niger Delta, personnel under Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal bunkering sites and seized over 3,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Arrests were made in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states over alleged involvement in oil theft, kidnapping, and drug-related offences.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists in Imo State and recovered improvised explosive devices. Further arrests were recorded in Ebonyi and Cross River states during clearance operations.
The Defence Headquarters said the nationwide operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ commitment to curbing insecurity and restricting the movement of criminal elements.
However, despite the reported gains, security concerns persist in several parts of the country, with stakeholders calling for sustained and improved strategies to address ongoing threats.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.
A late-night fire has destroyed the plumbing section of Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, leaving traders with significant losses and disrupting commercial activities in one of the city’s busiest hubs.
The incident occurred late Friday night along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, near the River Niger Bridge. Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out around 11:55 p.m. and spread rapidly through sections of the market, making it difficult for traders to salvage their goods.
Despite frantic efforts by some traders to recover their wares, the intensity of the blaze forced many to flee for safety as goods worth millions of naira were consumed.
Fire service officials later arrived at the scene and successfully contained the inferno, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market.
The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, reportedly led the emergency response by mobilising firefighters to the scene, which contributed to bringing the situation under control.
Speaking on the incident, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, commended the timely intervention of the fire service and stakeholders. He noted that their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to the plywood and Ogbo Ogwu sections of the market.
He also praised the leadership of the plumbing materials section for coordinating efforts during the emergency.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, affected traders have begun counting their losses and are calling on the Anambra State Government and well-meaning individuals for support.
The Kano State Government has disbursed financial compensation to families of victims of the 2025 Uromi attack in Edo State, fulfilling an earlier pledge to support those affected by the tragic incident.
Officials confirmed that a total of about ₦7.4 million was distributed to both bereaved families and survivors of the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 16 persons.
According to the state government, each of the 16 families who lost loved ones received ₦300,000, while survivors were given ₦200,000 each, alongside food items including bags of rice.
The victims were reportedly hunters travelling from southern Nigeria to Kano for Sallah celebrations when they were intercepted and attacked by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.
The disbursement was carried out on the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after it was discovered that an earlier promise of support had not been fulfilled. Government officials described the intervention as part of efforts to provide relief and demonstrate solidarity with the affected families.
Authorities also noted that discussions are ongoing with the Edo State Government to ensure additional compensation and justice for the victims while urging patience from affected families.
The Uromi attack, which sparked nationwide outrage, has continued to draw attention to issues of mob violence and security challenges across the country.