Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a midnight attack by suspected insurgents in Kukareta, Yobe State, killing 24 of the attackers during a fierce gun battle.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, lasted for about three hours as the assailants attempted to overrun a military formation in the area.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the development in a statement.
Uba said the troops responded swiftly to the assault, which began shortly after midnight and continued until about 3 am.
He said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai under Sector 2 successfully repelled a determined terrorist attack on the Kukareta location.”
According to him, the troops mounted a coordinated offensive and defensive response, forcing the attackers to retreat.
He added that 24 insurgents were killed during the encounter. Uba disclosed that troops recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the scene.
Items recovered include 18 AK-47 rifles, three general-purpose machine guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three rocket-propelled grenade tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and 18 AK-47 magazines.
The military spokesperson said two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire but have since been stabilised.
He also noted that an armoured vehicle was damaged in the attack.