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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman and uncovered evidence of foreign involvement, including a Palestinian trainer and a Moroccan doctor, during a foiled attack on Cross Kauwa in Borno State, the military has said.
The failed assault occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11 when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military position, according to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI.
“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.
The attempted looting of medical supplies corroborated intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group, according to Goni.
During the engagement, Goni noted that troops neutralised a terrorist cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials.
He also noted that preliminary forensic analysis indicated the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators: a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the network; and another unidentified Arab operative.
OPERATION HADIN KAI TROOPS CRUSH ISWAP INFILTRATION ATTEMPT IN CROSS KAUWA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES…Preliminary Forensic Findings Point to Foreign Facilitators Behind Failed Attack
Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have… pic.twitter.com/Epj6gpXsiZ
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 12, 2026
Goni also disclosed that the troops recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during exploitation operations.
According to him, post-engagement satellite imagery and human intelligence sources confirmed the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many sustaining gunshot wounds and bodies evacuated during the withdrawal.
Two soldiers also sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were evacuated by air for advanced medical care, he added.
“The attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.
“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials. Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
“They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established. 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.
“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses. During the operation, troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62 mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat enablers. Initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.
“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement. Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care. Both personnel remain in stable condition.
“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre.
“The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty the terrorists face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East.”
OPERATION HADIN KAI TROOPS CRUSH ISWAP INFILTRATION ATTEMPT IN CROSS KAUWA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES…Preliminary Forensic Findings Point to Foreign Facilitators Behind Failed Attack
Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have… pic.twitter.com/Epj6gpXsiZ
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 12, 2026
