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DAMATURU, YOBE STATE — By Prime Brief Media

Troops of the Nigerian Army's Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a daring midnight assault by insurgents on a military forward operating base in Kukareta, Yobe State, killing 24 attackers and recovering a substantial arsenal of weapons.

According to preliminary accounts from military sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, when a large number of insurgents, believed to be elements of Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province, attempted to overrun the military location. The troops, who were reportedly on high alert following intelligence reports of planned attacks in the general area, responded with overwhelming firepower.

"The insurgents approached under cover of darkness, likely hoping to catch our men off guard," a security source familiar with the operation told Prime Brief Media on condition of anonymity. "But our troops were ready. A fierce gun battle ensued that lasted several hours before the attackers were decisively neutralised."

The source confirmed that 24 insurgents were killed during the exchange. No official figures have been released regarding casualties on the Nigerian side, though the source indicated that "a few soldiers sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention."

Items recovered from the scene included a significant quantity of arms and ammunition. While the military has not released an exhaustive inventory, sources indicate that the recovered cache includes AK-47 rifles, ammunition magazines, and possibly improvised explosive device components that the insurgents had intended to deploy against the base.

Kukareta, located in the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, lies along a strategic corridor that has witnessed repeated insurgent activity over the years. The area's proximity to the Sambisa Forest fringe and its location along routes connecting Damaturu to Maiduguri have made it a persistent target for groups seeking to disrupt military operations and terrorise civilian populations.

Military authorities have not yet issued a formal statement detailing the full outcome of the engagement. However, the Defence Headquarters is expected to provide an operational update in its routine briefing.

The successful defence of the Kukareta location represents a significant operational victory for Operation Hadin Kai, which continues to conduct clearance operations across the Northeast theatre. The military has consistently maintained that insurgent capabilities have been substantially degraded, though periodic attacks on both military and civilian targets demonstrate the persistence of the threat.

Prime Brief Media continues to monitor the security situation in Yobe State and the broader Northeast region and will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding this engagement and any follow-up operations.