Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists after repelling an attack on Kukareta, a town along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.
According to security sources and a military statement, the terrorists struck after midnight, with the assault on Kukareta lasting until about 3:00 a.m. The town is also a few kilometres from Benisheikh.
Troops under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai responded with an offensive-defensive action that contained the attack and forced the insurgents into a retreat along the highway axis.
Battlefield Gains
Military authorities confirmed at least 24 terrorists were killed, with field reports indicating bodies were abandoned as the attackers fled under fire.
One terrorist who sustained a leg injury was captured alive.
Exploitation along the highway corridor has led to the recovery of 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, hand grenades, magazines, and quantities of ammunition.
Two soldiers were wounded in action but have since been stabilised. One armoured vehicle was damaged after sustaining impact during the fighting.
Retaliation Thwarted
Security analysts believe the Damaturu highway attack may have been retaliation for airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai that killed a terrorist commander and fighters in Sambisa Forest earlier this week.
The attempt failed as troops had anticipated attacks across locations, including Kanamma, Pubagu, Musa, and Leho, and were prepared.
Pursuit Continues
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said the operation reflects the troops’ resilience, combat readiness, and fire superiority in denying terrorists freedom of action along the Damaturu highway.
Exploitation operations are ongoing to track terrorists, recover bodies and equipment, and consolidate control of the area.
The military has been urged to sustain the momentum through air support and offensive pressure to defeat terrorist elements threatening the Damaturu highway and the region.
