Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Camcorder Said to Reveal Foreign Terror Links

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Camcorder Said to Reveal Foreign Terror Links

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering a camcorder that the military says contains evidence of foreign involvement in the group’s operations.

The military said the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, 11 July, when the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the military position under the cover of darkness.

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 advancing terrorists and engaged them with what he described as “coordinated and overwhelming firepower.”

The military said the insurgents were forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties, abandoning what it alleged was a plan to loot cholera medical supplies stored in the area.

It added that the attempted theft of medical items appears to support recent intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within ISWAP-controlled enclaves, as well as claims that some infected members of the group had been executed. These claims could not be independently verified.

One of the insurgents killed during the exchange was identified by the military as a cameraman. Troops recovered a Sony camcorder from the scene, which the military said contained operational footage and propaganda materials belonging to the terrorist group.

According to the statement, preliminary forensic analysis of the device indicated that the failed operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign nationals allegedly linked to the terrorist organisation.

The military identified two of the foreign suspects as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian believed to be the group’s chief trainer, and Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor said to be working with the insurgent network. A third Arab operative was not identified.

The military said the findings reinforce its assessment that ISWAP continues to receive external support, technical expertise and assistance from transnational terrorist networks. The claims have not been independently confirmed.

Following the battle, troops conducted exploitation operations around the area and recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, military-style uniforms and other items described as combat equipment.

The military also said satellite imagery and intelligence reports indicated that the fleeing insurgents evacuated the bodies of some of those killed during the clash, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Two soldiers were injured during the firefight and were airlifted for medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.

Operation HADIN KAI described the failed assault as another major setback for ISWAP, saying sustained military operations across the North-east have continued to weaken the group’s ability to launch coordinated attacks.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against insurgents, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks across the region.