As part of ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the country, the military high command on Friday said it has commenced a full investigation into the use of drones by terrorists to carry out attacks.

The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing defence correspondents on the achievements of troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies across various theatres of operation nationwide.

He said the investigation is being conducted in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to identify the sources of the drones and halt their deployment by non-state actors.

According to him, concrete actions are expected to emerge in the coming days or months, as agencies with the technical capacity to counter drone deployment have been fully engaged.

“We have reached an advanced stage in taking measures, in conjunction with other federal government agencies, to trace where these drones are coming from. I believe that in the next couple of days or months, concrete action will emerge on what we intend to do,” Onoja said.

In recent months, terrorists operating in the North East have increasingly deployed sophisticated drones in attacks on civilians and security personnel, raising concerns over the evolving tactics of insurgent groups.

The development has also generated questions among security experts and the public over how the drones are being sourced and the channels through which they enter the country.

Responding to allegations circulating on social media that soldiers manning checkpoints in Bauchi State were being compelled to remit weekly sums to their commanders, Onoja said the claims remained mere allegations.

He stressed that the military is a transparent institution and assured that investigations would be conducted if verifiable details were provided.

On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja said the development reflects the success of military operations in restoring security to affected communities.

“The military, in conjunction with the Federal Government, has done everything within its capacity to ensure the necessary security in those areas. The return of refugees is a clear measure of operational success,” he said.

On operational achievements, Onoja disclosed that within the month of January 2026 under review, troops across various theatres killed several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued about 284 kidnapped victims, while 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops.

He added that troops also recorded major successes against oil theft, recovering 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene and 5,000 litres of petrol.

In addition, 53 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed during the period under review.

Providing updates from various theatres, Onoja said that in the North East, troops under Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists freedom of action.

He said ground troops, working alongside the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, conducted aggressive operations, neutralising terrorists, arresting informants and logistics suppliers, recovering weapons, and dismantling terrorist networks.

“During the month, troops conducted operations in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Similar operations were carried out in Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States, respectively. During these encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralised, 17 were arrested, and 12 kidnapped victims were rescued. Recovered weapons and suspects are in custody for further action,” he said.

In Plateau State, Onoja said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls on terrorist activities, conducting offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.

According to him, several extremists were neutralised during firefights, 86 other criminals were arrested, and 24 kidnapped victims rescued, while arms and ammunition were recovered.

In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft, sea piracy and militancy.

“They dismantled 53 illegal refining sites, arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition. Air reconnaissance missions also led to the interception and destruction of vessels involved in the illegal syphoning of petroleum products across the Niger Delta,” he said.

He added that troops of Operation UDO KA recorded notable gains across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, with over 80 militants surrendering, 72 arrests made, and 11 kidnapped victims rescued.

Eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways, while a significant reduction in crime was recorded across the region.

Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements, Onoja said the military would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and work closely with local communities to ensure lasting peace and stability.

He reiterated the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra, “See something, say something,” urging Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

“With the continued support of the media and the Nigerian public, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain confident of defeating all threats to national security,” he said. (Saturday Tribune)

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