Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, dealing another blow to the terrorist group.
The military said the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents allegedly tried to infiltrate the community under the cover of darkness.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said vigilant troops detected the movement early and responded with heavy firepower, forcing the attackers to flee after suffering significant casualties.
According to the military, preliminary intelligence suggests the terrorists intended to loot cholera medical supplies, following reports of a cholera outbreak within ISWAP-controlled camps.
Goni also disclosed that troops recovered a Sony camcorder believed to belong to a suspected terrorist cameraman who was killed during the gun battle.
He said the device contained operational videos and propaganda materials.
“Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings indicated that the failed operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders, with the alleged involvement of three foreign terrorist facilitators,” Goni said.
The statement identified the alleged foreign operatives as a Palestinian known as Abu Ishaq, described as an ISWAP trainer, a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, said to be the group’s medical doctor, and another unidentified Arab operative.
According to the military, the findings further support intelligence indicating that ISWAP continues to receive foreign support and technical expertise.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation operations and recovered the camcorder, ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other items abandoned during the failed attack.
The military also revealed that satellite imagery and human intelligence indicated the insurgents evacuated the bodies of some of those killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. They are reportedly in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at protecting communities and dismantling terrorist networks across the North-East.
Source: Operation HADIN KAI.
