Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have uncovered additional graves and bodies of suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province following a failed attack on Kukareta community in Borno State.
The discovery was made during follow-up clearance and exploitation operations in the general area after troops successfully repelled the insurgents’ assault. Security sources disclosed that the latest findings included seven freshly dug graves believed to contain terrorists killed during the encounter, as well as two additional bodies recovered along withdrawal routes.
According to the sources, the discoveries further confirmed that the террорист group suffered significant casualties during the botched attack.
The operation followed a coordinated offensive launched by the insurgents in the early hours of April 23. Troops engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight, ultimately neutralising at least 24 of them and forcing the rest to retreat.
In the aftermath of the clash, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the scene. Items recovered included 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.
Sources added that exploitation efforts remain ongoing, with troops continuing to comb surrounding areas in search of fleeing terrorists, additional bodies, and abandoned equipment.
They described the outcome as a major setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained military pressure would be maintained to further degrade the group’s operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains under close monitoring, as troops sustain aggressive patrols and clearance operations aimed at preventing further attacks.
