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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents, including an ISWAP cameraman. According to the military, the terrorists launched the night-time assault in an attempt to overrun troops and loot cholera medical supplies, but soldiers detected the movement early and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
The military said the recovery of a Sony camcorder from the slain cameraman led to a major intelligence breakthrough. Preliminary forensic analysis of the footage allegedly revealed the involvement of three foreign terrorist facilitators, including a Palestinian identified as Abu Ishaq, believed to be ISWAP’s chief trainer, and a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, who reportedly serves as a medical doctor for the group. Another Arab operative was also seen in the recordings, but his identity has yet to be established. Military authorities said the findings reinforce intelligence suggesting ISWAP continues to receive foreign support, specialist expertise and transnational links.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the successful operation underscores the vigilance and combat readiness of troops in the North-East. He added that the terrorists’ attempt to steal cholera treatment supplies lends further support to recent intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak within ISWAP enclaves. Security forces said investigations into the recovered materials are ongoing as efforts continue to dismantle the terrorist group’s network and identify its foreign collaborators.
