By Wellington Jopelo
A fierce overnight confrontation unfolded in Kukareta, Yobe State, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attack by insurgents, killing 24 of the assailants.
The clash, which began shortly after midnight on Thursday, lasted for about three hours, with soldiers mounting a strong resistance that eventually forced the attackers to retreat.
Military authorities said the troops responded swiftly to the assault, combining defensive and offensive tactics to contain the situation and prevent the base from being overrun.
During the exchange, the insurgents suffered heavy losses, with several others believed to have escaped with injuries as they fled the scene.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including multiple rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, mortar tubes, and explosives.
Despite the intensity of the battle, only two soldiers were reported wounded, and they have since been stabilised, according to military officials.
However, an armoured vehicle sustained damage during the encounter, highlighting the scale of the attack launched by the insurgents.
Troops have since launched follow-up operations in surrounding areas to track down fleeing fighters and recover additional equipment.
The military said the successful defence underscores ongoing efforts to maintain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the North-East.