Troops of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Kukareta community in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing 24 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.

The attack occurred in the early hours of April 23, when terrorists launched an assault shortly after midnight. Military sources said the operation, led by troops under Sector 2, lasted until about 3:00 a.m.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt Col. Sani Uba, troops responded swiftly with a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy, successfully containing the attack and forcing the assailants into retreat.

During the engagement, 24 terrorists were neutralised, while ongoing battlefield exploitation led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition. Items recovered include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG launchers, two mortar tubes, hand grenades, magazines, and large quantities of ammunition.

The military confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries but have since been stabilised. One armoured vehicle involved in the operation was also damaged during the exchange.

Authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents, with reports indicating blood trails and abandoned medical supplies along their escape routes