Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents, recovering operational materials and uncovering evidence pointing to the involvement of foreign terrorist facilitators.
The military said the failed assault occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to overrun a military position manned by troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, vigilant troops detected the advancing terrorists early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon the mission and retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
The military said intelligence indicates that the insurgents had intended to loot cholera medical supplies, a development it said supports recent reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves. It also cited intelligence alleging that some infected members of the group had been executed.
A major breakthrough during the operation was the recovery of a Sony camcorder from a terrorist cameraman who was neutralised during the exchange of fire. The device reportedly contained operational footage and propaganda materials belonging to the insurgent group.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings, according to the military, suggests that the failed attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
The foreign operatives were identified as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq, described as ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, said to be a medical doctor working within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity has yet to be established.
Military authorities said the findings reinforce existing intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialist expertise and operational backing through transnational terrorist networks.
Following the successful defence of the position, troops carried out exploitation operations across the area, recovering the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment.
The military also disclosed that preliminary satellite imagery captured after the engagement showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their slain fighters while retreating. It added that the assessment was corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the insurgents suffered significant casualties, with several others sustaining gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers were wounded during the firefight and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that it followed sustained offensive operations that have increased military pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are restored across the region.
