Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted ISWAP infiltration in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several terrorists and forcing others to flee.
The attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the insurgents attempted to invade the troops’ position under the cover of darkness.
According to the military, soldiers of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, detected the movement and responded with heavy firepower, throwing the attackers into confusion.
The terrorists reportedly planned to steal medical supplies meant for cholera treatment before troops disrupted the operation.
The military said the failed raid supported intelligence reports that a cholera outbreak had spread through ISWAP camps, with some infected fighters allegedly executed by the group.
A major discovery was made after troops killed an ISWAP cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational recordings and propaganda materials.
Preliminary forensic examination of the footage allegedly revealed that four senior ISWAP commanders coordinated the attack alongside three foreign terrorist operatives.
The military identified one of the foreigners as Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab believed to be ISWAP’s chief trainer.
Another was named as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor allegedly working within the terrorist network.
The identity of the third foreign operative had not been established.
Operation Hadin Kai said the discovery strengthened intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to receive training, medical assistance and specialist support from foreign terrorist networks.
Following the confrontation, troops searched the area and recovered rounds of PKT and 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.
The military said satellite images showed the terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their fighters as they retreated.
Intelligence sources also reportedly confirmed that the group suffered heavy casualties, while several other fighters escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers were injured during the exchange and evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment.
They were said to be in stable condition.
The military described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP following sustained operations against terrorist positions across the North-East.
It vowed to maintain pressure on the insurgents, protect vulnerable communities and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
