No fewer than 24 terrorists have been neutralised by troops of Operation Hadin Kai following a failed overnight assault on Kukareta in Yobe State, in what military authorities describe as a major battlefield victory.
The attack, which began shortly after midnight on Thursday, was met with a swift and coordinated response by troops of Sector 2, who engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle that lasted until about 3:00 a.m.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the vigilant troops executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action that effectively blunted the attack and forced the terrorists into a disorderly retreat.
He said, “The terrorists met stiff resistance from our gallant troops, whose rapid response and superior firepower disrupted the attack and compelled them to withdraw in disarray.”
Uba disclosed that during the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 confirmed neutralised, while exploitation operations are ongoing to track fleeing elements and recover additional bodies.
He added, “Our troops have continued to dominate the battlefield. The ongoing exploitation has revealed blood trails and abandoned medical supplies along the withdrawal routes, indicating further casualties among the fleeing terrorists.”
The military further confirmed the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the scene, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition.
Describing the recovery as a major operational gain, Uba stated, “The quantity and calibre of weapons recovered underscore the scale of the failed attack and further degrade the combat capability of the terrorists.”
Despite the intensity of the encounter, the troops recorded minimal casualties, with two personnel wounded in action. The injured soldiers, according to the statement, have since been stabilised and are receiving medical care.
He noted, “While two of our personnel sustained injuries in the course of the operation, they have been stabilised and are in good condition. Their sacrifice and courage remain a source of pride to the Force.”
The statement also revealed that one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage during the engagement, with its tyres blown out, although no crew casualties were recorded.
Reaffirming the resolve of the Joint Task Force, Uba emphasised that operations would continue with sustained offensive pressure to deny terrorists freedom of action across the theatre.
“This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness, and fire superiority of Operation HADIN KAI troops. We will sustain the offensive momentum to consolidate these gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements within the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
He further assured residents of the North East of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
The military high command reiterated that the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign remains focused on dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace to the region.
