Esther oseyiomon
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded fresh operational gains, including the neutralisation of 21 terrorists during a failed attack in Yobe State.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on military activities conducted between April 17 and 23, 2026.
He said the terrorists launched a coordinated assault on troops at Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu Road in Damaturu Local Government Area on April 23, but were repelled following a swift and reinforced military response.
According to him, troops had earlier strengthened their позиции based on credible intelligence, enabling them to decisively engage the attackers and neutralise 21 of them.
Onoja added that a large cache of weapons was recovered from the scene, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, a rocket-propelled grenade tube, a 60mm mortar, ammunition, and other equipment.
The DHQ spokesman noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded additional successes across the North-East theatre during the period.
He said troops neutralised insurgents along the Kirawa–Pulka Road on April 18, while another ambush operation in Kuranabassa Village, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, forced terrorists retreating from the Mandara Mountains to withdraw.
Further operations on April 20 at Nanewa in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State led to the elimination of another terrorist and the recovery of arms and motorcycles.
Onoja also disclosed that troops rescued nine captives who escaped from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains on April 22, adding that an attempted re-capture by insurgents was successfully foiled.
He said the victims, mostly women and children, received immediate medical attention and were placed under protective care.
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier near Geidam in Yobe State, who was transporting fuel concealed in sachet water bags, allegedly meant for terrorist groups.
Onoja added that troops also neutralised four terrorists in Kanama town and arrested another suspect linked to terrorist activities in Monguno, Borno State, as operations continue across the region.