Dare Babalola
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Kukareta, neutralising at least 24 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons during a fierce overnight battle.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the attack began shortly after midnight on April 23 and lasted until about 3:00 a.m., but was met with a “swift and coordinated response” by troops under Sector 2.
“The attack, which commenced shortly after midnight and lasted until about 0300 hours, was met with a swift and coordinated response by vigilant troops who executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal,” he said.
According to the statement, troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, with 24 terrorists confirmed killed, while follow-up operations led to the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition.
Items recovered include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, and several rounds of ammunition.
Uba noted that exploitation of the battlefield was ongoing, with troops tracking the fleeing insurgents along withdrawal routes marked by blood stains and abandoned medical supplies.
“Ongoing exploitation of the battlefield has led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition,” he said, adding that efforts were continuing “to recover additional bodies and equipment along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes littered with blood trails and medical consumables.”
Despite the intensity of the engagement, the military recorded minimal casualties. Two soldiers were wounded in action but have since been stabilised, while one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage during the firefight.
The military spokesperson emphasised that the outcome of the operation demonstrates the effectiveness and combat readiness of troops in the theatre of operations.
“This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Uba stated.
He further assured that troops would sustain offensive operations to consolidate gains and eliminate remaining terrorist elements in the region.
“Operations will continue with sustained offensive pressure to consolidate gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement added.
