The Nigerian Army has recovered the bodies of 74 terrorists in the North-East. Soldiers killed the insurgents during heavy fighting between March 13 and March 19, 2026.

Major General Michael Onoja shared the update on Friday in Abuja. He said the troops also foiled a complex drone-assisted attack.

The fighting took place in Mallam Fatori within the Abadam Local Government Area of Borno. Military officials said the defense was decisive.

“Troops repelled a major terrorist assault and killed dozens of fighters, including senior commanders,” Onoja stated during the briefing.

Soldiers found many weapons after the battle ended. They recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, three machine guns, and one RPG tube.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the army also stopped several infiltration attempts.

These attempts happened across the Bama, Gujba, and Kaga areas. Security forces arrested several logistics suppliers and informants there.

Coordinated air and ground operations also took place in Baga and Damboa. These actions helped to destroy the capacity of ISWAP fighters.

Cracking Down On Oil Theft

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe arrested five oil thieves. They also found illegal sites in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.

“Troops dismantled illegal refining sites and seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products,” the General added.

The military also seized boats and vehicles used to transport stolen fuel. They allege that these criminals hurt the national economy.

The Armed Forces say they are 100% committed to stopping illegal bunkering. They want to protect the nation’s oil wealth for all Nigerians.

In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka cleared dangerous explosives in Imo. They also arrested suspected cultists in Ebonyi and Cross River.

Meanwhile, soldiers in Taraba arrested gunrunners with motorcycles and cash. They also rescued kidnap victims in Plateau and Benue.

This report matters because it shows the army is using better technology to fight. It gives hope that safety will soon return to these regions.

These successes appear to show the military has really put the offensive on violent groups and is denying them freedom of action. It also proves that intelligence sharing with locals is working.