In a display of tactical superior strength, the frontline forces of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully crushed a midnight offensive launched by suspected insurgents.
The encounter, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the neutralization of 24 terrorists following a high-intensity gun battle in the Kukareta axis of Yobe State.
The attackers reportedly targeted a strategic military formation, hoping to overrun the position under the cover of darkness. However, they were met with a wall of fire that lasted for approximately three hours.
The assault began shortly after midnight, as the insurgents attempted to capitalize on the element of surprise. According to military reports, the engagement reached its peak intensity between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM, as the Joint Task Force fought to secure the perimeter.
Confirming the incident in a statement released on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, noted that the response was both swift and decisive.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai under Sector 2 successfully repelled a determined terrorist attack on the Kukareta location,” Uba stated.
The lieutenant colonel further explained that the military utilized a “coordinated offensive and defensive” strategy, which ultimately broke the resolve of the attackers and forced the surviving remnants to retreat in disarray.
While 24 insurgents were confirmed killed in the encounter, the Nigerian forces also paid a price in the line of duty. Two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire; however, they have since been stabilized and are receiving medical attention. Additionally, one armored vehicle was reported damaged during the height of the skirmish.
Beyond the neutralization of the personnel, the troops successfully intercepted a massive cache of sophisticated weaponry that the insurgents had brought for the operation.
Recovered arsenal include 18 AK-47 rifles, 3 general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), 2 PKT anti-aircraft guns, 3 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines and various rounds of ammunition
The successful defense of the Kukareta military formation is being hailed as a significant blow to the insurgents’ ability to coordinate large-scale attacks in the sector. Lt. Col. Uba emphasized that the troops remain on high alert, maintaining their momentum to ensure the total security of the region.
As of Thursday afternoon, mop-up operations were still ongoing in the general area to track down any fleeing militants who may have escaped into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.