Troops repel attack in Yobe, kill 24 terrorists, recover arms cache

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a coordinated terrorist attack on Kukareta in Yobe State, killing at least 24 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the military, the attack occurred in the early hours of 23 April and was successfully repelled by troops under Sector 2 following a sustained gun battle.

The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the assault, which began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m., was met with a “swift and coordinated response” by troops who executed what he described as a deliberate offensive-defensive action.

The military said the response forced the attackers into a “disorderly withdrawal” after suffering significant casualties.

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

It added that ongoing exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Items recovered 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, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition.

The military, however, confirmed that two personnel were wounded in action, noting that they have since been stabilised.

It also disclosed that one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage during the exchange, with all its tyres blown out.

The statement further noted that exploitation operations were ongoing along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, where troops reportedly discovered blood trails and abandoned medical consumables.

The military said the operation underscores the combat readiness and resilience of troops deployed in the North-east.

“This successful operations highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” the statement added.

It assured that troops would sustain offensive operations to consolidate gains and eliminate remaining insurgent elements across the theatre of operations.