Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Sector 2, in the early hours of April 23, 2026, successfully repelled a determined terrorist attack on Kukareta.
The attack, which began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m., was met with a swift and coordinated response by vigilant troops, who executed a deliberate offensive-defensive operation that effectively contained the assault and forced the terrorists into a disorderly retreat.
During the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists confirmed neutralised so far. Ongoing exploitation of the battlefield has also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including 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, 18 AK-47 magazines, and substantial quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.
The troops recorded two personnel wounded in action, who have since been stabilised. Additionally, one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage, with all its tyres blown out during the engagement.
Military authorities said exploitation operations are ongoing to recover more bodies and equipment along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, which were littered with blood trails and medical supplies.
The statement noted that the successful operation underscores the resilience, combat readiness, and firepower of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action. It added that operations will continue with sustained offensive pressure to consolidate gains and decisively eliminate terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
