Troops Repel Yobe Attack, Neutralise 24 Terrorists And Recover Weapons

Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully foiled a coordinated terrorist attack on Kukareta community in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing 24 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.

The operation, which took place in the late hours of Wednesday, was confirmed in a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Sector 2, in the early hours of 23 April 2026, successfully repelled a determined terrorist attack on the Kukareta location.

“The attack, which commenced shortly after midnight and lasted until about 0300 hours, 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,” the statement reads in part.

According to the military, troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised during the engagement.

“During the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised so far.

“Ongoing exploitation of the battlefield has led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.”

The statement added that two soldiers sustained injuries but have since been stabilised, while one armoured tank was damaged during the exchange, with its tyres blown out.

Uba noted that follow-up operations are still ongoing, with troops combing the area to recover more bodies and equipment along the escape routes of the fleeing terrorists.