Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman during a failed attack in Borno State and recovered a camera containing footage that allegedly revealed the involvement of foreign operatives within the terrorist group.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the operation took place after troops repelled an ISWAP infiltration attempt into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to Goni, the terrorists attempted to use the cover of darkness on Saturday night to attack the military position and steal cholera medical supplies.
He said troops quickly detected the movement and responded with heavy firepower, forcing the insurgents to retreat after suffering significant losses.
During the operation, soldiers recovered a Sony camcorder belonging to the slain terrorist, which contained operational videos and propaganda materials.
Goni said preliminary analysis of the recovered footage suggested that the attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders, alongside three foreign facilitators.
The military identified one of the foreign operatives as a Palestinian, Abu Ishaq, who was described as the group’s trainer, while another, a Moroccan known as Abu Thaiba, was identified as a medical doctor working with the insurgents. The identity of a third Arab operative remains unknown.
The military said the discovery further supports intelligence reports suggesting that ISWAP continues to receive external support and specialist expertise from foreign-linked networks.
Goni explained that the failed attack occurred around 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to breach the troops’ position.
“The 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,” he said.
He added that the attempted theft of medical supplies also supported recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps, with claims that some infected fighters had been killed by the group.
Following the engagement, troops recovered ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment from the area.
The military spokesman said satellite imagery and intelligence reports later confirmed that ISWAP fighters evacuated the bodies of some of their fallen members during their retreat.
Two soldiers were injured during the firefight and were evacuated for medical treatment, with both personnel reported to be in stable condition.
Goni described the operation as another major setback for ISWAP, saying continued military pressure in the North-East was weakening the group’s ability to carry out coordinated attacks.
He assured that Operation Hadin Kai would continue offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across the region.
