Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a midnight attack by insurgents on a military base in Kukareta, Yobe State, killing 24 of the attackers.

The assault happened in the early hours of Thursday and reportedly lasted about three hours before troops subdued the insurgents.

Confirming the incident, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the attack began shortly after midnight and ended around 3 a.m.

According to him, the troops responded swiftly and successfully forced the attackers into retreat.

“The attack 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.

Uba added that the troops inflicted heavy casualties during the encounter.

“During the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised so far,” he stated.

He also said troops recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition from the scene.

Items recovered included 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, and hand grenades.

According to the military spokesman, two soldiers were wounded during the clash but have been stabilised.

He added that an armoured tank was damaged during the firefight.

Troops have since launched follow-up operations to pursue fleeing insurgents and recover additional equipment.