By Adesakin Adefemi
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 24 suspected terrorists while repelling a coordinated insurgent attack on Kukareta community in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.
The assault began around midnight and lasted until about 3am on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Sources told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication, that the attack was “decisively contained following a fierce engagement with the insurgents.”
According to the report, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, neutralising no fewer than 24 during the encounter. The firefight was described as one of the most significant defensive operations in the area in recent months.
A large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the scene. Items listed include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, and two mortar tubes.
Troops also recovered four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and a large quantity of belted 7.62mm special ammunition used for PKT anti-aircraft weapons, the sources said.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, Zagazola reported. They are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.
Military sources described the successful defence of Kukareta as a significant operational achievement that underscores the resilience of troops engaged in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the encounter. Operations to clear remnants of the attackers and secure the community were ongoing as of press time.
