Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a terrorist attack in Kukareta, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants and recovering a large cache of weapons.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Sector 2, took place in the early hours of April 23, 2026. According to military authorities, the attack began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the task force, troops responded swiftly with a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy that effectively contained the assault and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

During the engagement, at least 24 terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered a significant number of weapons and ammunition from the scene. Items recovered include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and 18 AK-47 magazines, along with large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

The military disclosed that two soldiers were wounded in action but have since been stabilised. Additionally, one reinforcing armoured vehicle sustained damage, with all its tyres blown out during the encounter.

Security forces have continued exploitation operations in the area, with reports indicating that retreat routes used by the terrorists are littered with bloodstains and abandoned medical supplies, suggesting further casualties among the fleeing fighters.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of the troops’ resilience, combat readiness, and superior firepower in denying terrorists freedom of movement.

Efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents and recover additional weapons, as the military intensifies operations aimed at eliminating terrorist elements across the North East region.