TROOPS under the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have thwarted a coordinated assault on Kukareta community in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing 24 terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons, including 18 AK-47 rifles.
According to a statement issued by the Theatre Command’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the attack occurred in the early hours yesterday, April 23, 2026, beginning shortly after midnight and lasting until about 3:00 a.m.
He explained that troops responded swiftly with a well-coordinated counteroffensive, successfully containing the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
During the clash, security forces inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.
Items recovered from the scene include three general-purpose machine guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of ammunition.
Uba added that two soldiers sustained injuries but have since been stabilised, while an armoured vehicle was damaged during the operation, with all its tyres blown out.
He noted that follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons and bodies along their escape routes, where traces of blood and medical supplies have been found.
