Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by terrorists on Kukareta community in Borno State, killing at least 24 insurgents in the process.
The attack, which began around midnight on Thursday and lasted for about three hours, was met with strong resistance from security forces, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the attackers to retreat.
Security sources said the troops inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents during the exchange, neutralising no fewer than 24 of them.
Following the operation, a cache of weapons was recovered from the scene, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and 18 AK-47 magazines. A large quantity of specialised 7.62mm ammunition was also seized.
Despite the success of the operation, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
Military sources described the outcome as a major operational success, highlighting the resilience and effectiveness of troops engaged in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.
The development comes amid a recent surge in attacks by terrorist groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, targeting military formations in the region. Analysts believe the increased assaults may be a desperate attempt by insurgents to disrupt military operations and seize weapons.
In recent weeks, security forces have intensified offensives across the region, including precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in parts of the Sambisa Forest, aimed at weakening their operational capacity.
