Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a midnight assault on a military formation in Kukareta, Yobe State, killing 24 insurgents in a sustained three-hour gun battle.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was contained after what the military described as a swift and coordinated response by soldiers on duty.
Confirming the incident, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the attack began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3am.
He said the troops engaged the attackers in a well-coordinated defensive and offensive operation that forced them into disarray and eventual withdrawal.
According to him, the troops inflicted significant casualties on the insurgents during the exchange of fire.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised 24 terrorists,” the statement said.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the scene, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT machine guns, three rocket-propelled grenade tubes, two mortar tubes, and several hand grenades.
Uba disclosed that two soldiers sustained injuries during the operation but have since been stabilised and are in safe condition.
He added that an armoured vehicle was damaged during the encounter.
According to him, follow-up operations have commenced to pursue fleeing insurgents and recover additional weapons and equipment from the area.
