By Our Correspondent
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing sensitive intelligence that exposed the involvement of foreign terrorist facilitators in the group’s operations in Borno State.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at about 10:20 p.m., saw troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, repel an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.
“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” the statement read .
The attempted looting, Goni said, lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group .
During the firefight, troops neutralised a terrorist cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials .
“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators,” Goni disclosed.
He identified the foreign operatives as “a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established”.
According to the military spokesman, “the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages” .
Troops Recover Weapons, Two Soldiers Wounded
Following the engagement, troops conducted exploitation operations and recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items .
Post-engagement satellite imagery, corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the withdrawal .
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel remained in stable condition .
Military Vows to Sustain Offensive Operations
The failed infiltration attempt represents another significant operational setback for ISWAP, capping a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre .
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” Goni assured .
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