Troops Crush ISWAP Raid, Recover Key Evidence

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a daring infiltration attempt by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering critical intelligence materials, including a camcorder believed to contain operational and propaganda footage.

The military said the attack was successfully foiled at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, after the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to overrun the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, vigilant troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, detected the advancing terrorists early and responded with overwhelming firepower.

The fierce resistance forced the insurgents to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray after suffering heavy casualties.

The military said the attempted theft of cholera medical supplies further supports recent intelligence indicating that a cholera outbreak has hit terrorist camps, with reports also suggesting that some infected members were executed by the group.

A major breakthrough during the operation was the recovery of a Sony camcorder from a terrorist cameraman who was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.

Preliminary forensic analysis of the device reportedly revealed sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

The military said initial findings pointed to the involvement of four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign terrorist facilitators in coordinating the failed operation.

Among those identified were a Palestinian Arab, Abu Ishaq, believed to be the group’s overall trainer, and a Moroccan Arab, Abu Thaiba, said to be serving as a medical doctor within the terrorist network. Another Arab operative was captured in the footage, but his identity is yet to be established.

The military noted that the discovery reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from foreign support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist connections.

Troops immediately launched exploitation operations after the encounter, recovering the camcorder, terrorist uniforms, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, as well as other combat equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.

The statement added that satellite imagery and credible human intelligence later confirmed that the terrorists evacuated the bodies of several slain fighters, while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. They were reported to be in stable condition.

Operation HADIN KAI described the failed assault as another major blow to ISWAP, saying the development reflects the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist groups across the North-East.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored in the region.