Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.
The operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni.
Terrorists Attempt to Loot Cholera Medical Supplies
The failed attack occurred at approximately 10:20 pm on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.
“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said in a statement on Sunday.
The attempted looting further 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.
Cameraman Neutralised, Sensitive Footage Recovered
The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including 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:
· 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
· Another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established
The presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.
Troops Dominate Area, Recover Weapons
Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses.
Items recovered during the operation include the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items.
Initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.
This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement.
The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.
