Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Camcorder Said to Contain Intelligence on Foreign Operatives

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering a camcorder said to contain intelligence on the group’s operations, including the alleged involvement of foreign facilitators.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday when the insurgents attempted to breach the military location under the cover of darkness.

The military said alert troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering what it described as heavy casualties.

The statement alleged that the terrorists had planned to loot cholera medical supplies stored in the area, a development the military said supports recent intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within ISWAP enclaves.

During exploitation operations after the encounter, troops recovered a Sony camcorder, ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment.

According to the military, preliminary forensic analysis of footage found in the camcorder indicated that the failed operation was allegedly coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators, including individuals identified as a Palestinian known as Abu Ishaq, described as the group’s chief trainer, and a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, said to be serving as a medical doctor within the terrorist network. Authorities said the identity of a third foreign operative is yet to be established.

The military added that the findings remain part of an ongoing forensic investigation.

Operation HADIN KAI also said satellite imagery and human intelligence indicated that the fleeing insurgents evacuated the bodies of some of those killed during the operation, while several others reportedly sustained gunshot wounds.

Two soldiers were injured during the exchange of fire and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.

The military described the failed assault as another operational setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained offensives across the North-East have continued to weaken the group’s ability to launch coordinated attacks.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups, protecting communities and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.