By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the attackers into a chaotic retreat.
In a statement on Saturday, Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2026.
According to the military, the terrorists tried to exploit darkness to breach the troops’ location with the aim of looting cholera medical supplies. Alert troops detected the movement early and responded with coordinated firepower, compelling the insurgents to abandon their mission.
In a significant development, troops neutralised a terrorist cameraman during the firefight and recovered a Sony camcorder containing sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the last video recorded before the attack revealed the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign facilitators.
They were identified Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab described as ISWAP’s overall trainer, Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan Arab and medical doctor within the terrorist network, Another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be confirmed
“The presence and active involvement of these foreign nationals further reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages,” the statement said.
The attempted looting of medical supplies also supports recent intelligence of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, with reports that some affected members had been executed by the group.
Following the engagement, troops dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations. Items recovered include the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment.
Satellite imagery and credible human intelligence sources confirmed that terrorists evacuated bodies of neutralised fighters during their withdrawal, indicating they suffered heavy casualties with many others wounded.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight. The military said both were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care and are in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed attack as “another significant operational setback for ISWAP” and noted it capped a costly weekend for the group following sustained offensive operations across the North East.
“The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty the terrorists face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops,” Capt. Goni stated.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, protect vulnerable communities, and dismantle terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are restored across the region.
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