Troops Repel Midnight Terrorist Attack in Yobe, Neutralise 24 Fighters

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have successfully foiled a terrorist attack on Kukareta in Yobe State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and recovering a large cache of weapons.

According to a statement issued by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the attack occurred in the early hours of 23 April 2026 and began shortly after midnight.

Troops deployed under Sector 2 swiftly responded to the assault, which lasted until about 0300 hours, executing a coordinated offensive-defensive operation that effectively contained the attack and forced the terrorists into a disorderly retreat.

During the fierce engagement, troops neutralised at least 24 terrorists, while ongoing exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing attackers.

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, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.

The statement noted that two soldiers were wounded in action but have since been stabilised. In addition, one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage during the engagement after its tyres were blown out.

Troops have continued exploitation operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, which were reportedly littered with blood trails and medical consumables, suggesting significant casualties among the fleeing fighters.

Military authorities said the successful defence of Kukareta highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of troops under Operation HADIN KAI in denying terrorists freedom of action across the North East.

They added that operations will continue with sustained offensive pressure to consolidate recent gains and decisively defeat terrorist elements within the Joint Operations Area.