Troops repel midnight assault in Yobe, neutralise 24 terrorists

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in Kukareta, Yobe state,  killing at least 24 insurgents during a fierce overnight engagement.

The operation, conducted by forces under Sector 2, followed what military authorities described as a determined assault on the Kukareta axis in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Sani Uba, the attack began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m.

Uba stated that the troops responded swiftly with a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy, effectively containing the attackers and forcing them into a chaotic retreat.

“The vigilant troops executed a deliberate response that disrupted the enemy’s advance and inflicted significant losses,” the statement noted.

During the engagement, at least 24 terrorists were neutralised, while ongoing clearance operations continue to uncover additional casualties along the withdrawal routes.

Military sources reported that the fleeing insurgents left behind visible blood trails and abandoned medical supplies, indicating further losses.

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Troops also recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition from the battlefield. Items seized include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

Despite the intensity of the clash, the military recorded minimal casualties on its side. Two personnel were wounded in action and have since been stabilised, while one reinforcing armoured vehicle sustained damage, with its tyres reportedly blown out during the exchange.

The statement emphasized that exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional weapons and confirm the full extent of enemy losses. The military also reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist elements operating within the North East theatre.

“This successful operation underscores the resilience, combat readiness, and fire superiority of our troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Uba said, adding that efforts would continue to consolidate gains and decisively eliminate insurgent threats across the joint operations area.

The latest success marks another significant development in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at restoring stability in Nigeria’s North East region.