By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a terrorist attack in Kukareta, North-East Nigeria, killing no fewer than 24 insurgents and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.
The Joint Task Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who detailed how the attack was repelled in the early hours of April 23, 2026.
According to Uba, the terrorists launched a coordinated assault shortly after midnight, targeting troops under Sector 2, but were met with a swift and decisive counterattack.
He noted that the engagement, which lasted until about 3:00 a.m., saw troops deploy a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy that effectively neutralised the threat and forced the attackers into retreat.
“The attack was met with a swift and coordinated response by vigilant troops who executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal,” Uba said.
The military spokesman added that the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents during the firefight.
“In the course of the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised so far,” he stated.
Uba also disclosed that a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered during ongoing exploitation of the battlefield.
He listed the recovered items to include 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 18 AK-47 magazines.
He further noted that troops also recovered large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems, indicating the level of firepower deployed by the insurgents.
Despite the success recorded, the Army confirmed that two soldiers were wounded in action but have been stabilised and are receiving medical care.
Uba also revealed that one reinforcing armoured tank was damaged during the engagement after its tyres were blown out.
“Exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional bodies and equipment along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes littered with blood trails and medical consumables,” he added.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the military to sustain pressure on terrorist elements in the region.
“This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops. Operations will continue with sustained offensive pressure to consolidate gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
Troops foil Kukareta attack, kill 24 terrorists, recover arms
