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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering intelligence materials, including a camcorder said to contain operational footage.
The military disclosed on Sunday that the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the terrorists allegedly attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to overrun a military position and loot cholera medical supplies.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, swiftly detected the movement of the insurgents and engaged them with coordinated firepower, forcing them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
The military said the insurgents abandoned their mission and fled in disarray, adding that the attempted theft of cholera medical supplies appears to support intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps.
During exploitation operations after the gun battle, troops recovered a Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat-related items.
The statement said the recovery of the camcorder followed the neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the encounter. Preliminary forensic analysis of the device reportedly revealed operational recordings and propaganda materials linked to ISWAP activities.
According to the military, initial findings indicate that the failed operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators, including individuals identified as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian and alleged trainer of the group, Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor, and another unidentified Arab operative.
The military said the alleged involvement of foreign nationals reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist assistance.
It further disclosed that post-engagement satellite imagery showed insurgents evacuating the bodies of some of their dead fighters during the retreat, while credible human intelligence sources confirmed that many others sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
The military also confirmed that two soldiers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. They were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed attack as another significant setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained military offensives across the North-East have continued to degrade the group's operational capability.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations, protecting communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-East.
