Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a fierce and decisive counter-insurgency operation, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Sector 2, successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the Kukareta community in Borno State, neutralising 24 insurgents and recovering a massive cache of weapons. The attack, which was launched shortly after midnight on Thursday, April 23, 2026, lasted for approximately three hours, ending around 3:00 a.m., and was met with a swift and coordinated offensive-defensive response by vigilant troops. According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the engagement effectively contained the assault and forced the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal, littering their escape routes with blood trails and medical consumables.
The battle for Kukareta began when a large group of insurgents, suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), launched a determined attack on the community. However, the troops, who had been on high alert, executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action that turned the tables on the attackers. The firefight was intense, but the superior tactics and resilience of the Nigerian soldiers prevailed. During the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with at least 24 terrorists confirmed neutralised. Exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional bodies and equipment along the withdrawal routes.
The operation was not without cost. Two personnel were wounded in action but have since been stabilised and are receiving medical attention. Additionally, one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage, with all its tyres blown out during the fierce exchange. Despite these losses, the successful defence of Kukareta is being hailed as a significant operational achievement, highlighting the combat readiness and fire superiority of the troops.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the operation was the recovery of a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition. Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough search of the battlefield, leading to the discovery of a large cache of arms abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. The recovered items include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, two mortar tubes, and four hand grenades. Also recovered were 18 AK-47 magazines and large quantities of belted 7.62mm special ammunition typically used for PKT anti-aircraft systems. The recovery of such heavy weaponry represents a major disruption of the terrorists’ logistics and firepower.
This successful operation comes amid intensified military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability across the North-East. The Kukareta community, located in the Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, has been a recurring target for insurgent attacks. The defence of the community not only averted a major tragedy but also demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing clearance operations.
The military has stated that exploitation operations are continuing, with troops dominating the general area to prevent any regrouping of the fleeing terrorists. Sustained offensive pressure will be maintained to consolidate gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area. The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing useful information.
The successful neutralisation of 24 terrorists and the recovery of a huge cache of arms is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Nigerian military. As the fight against insurgency continues, operations like the one in Kukareta serve as a clear message to terrorists that they have no safe haven in the North-East. The military remains resolute in its mission to restore lasting peace to the region, and this latest victory marks a significant step forward in that ongoing battle.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments