The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered evidence linking foreign nationals to ISWAP operations after neutralising a terrorist cameraman during a failed attack in Borno State.
According to the military, troops foiled an infiltration attempt by ISWAP fighters at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area on Saturday night, forcing the insurgents to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
During the operation, soldiers recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials. Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings reportedly revealed the involvement of four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign terrorist facilitators.
Among those identified were a Palestinian, Abu Ishaq, believed to be the group’s chief trainer, a Moroccan, Abu Thaiba, who reportedly serves as a medical doctor for the insurgents, and another unidentified Arab operative.
The Army said the discovery reinforces intelligence indicating that ISWAP continues to receive foreign support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist links.
Military authorities disclosed that the terrorists attempted to attack troops around 10:20 p.m. under the cover of darkness, with the objective of looting cholera medical supplies.
However, troops detected the movement early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee.
The Army added that the attempted theft of medical supplies supports recent intelligence suggesting a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps, with reports indicating that some infected members had been executed by the group.
Following the engagement, troops conducted exploitation operations to assess the extent of the terrorists’ losses while maintaining control of the area.
The military said the successful operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and combat readiness of troops operating across the North-East in denying terrorist groups freedom of movement.
