Troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have thwarted an attempted infiltration by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) into Cross Kauwa community in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army said the terrorists suffered significant casualties and retreated after troops mounted a fierce resistance during the late-night attack.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to him, the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the military position at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, under the cover of darkness.
However, alert troops detected their movement and engaged them with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon the operation and flee.
Goni said intelligence gathered after the encounter suggested the terrorists were attempting to steal cholera medical supplies, adding that the mission aligned with reports of a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps.
He further revealed that earlier intelligence indicated that some insurgents who contracted the disease had reportedly been executed by the group.
During follow-up clearance operations, troops recovered a Sony camcorder believed to belong to a suspected terrorist cameraman who was killed in the firefight.
The military said the device contained operational footage and propaganda materials, while preliminary forensic analysis indicated that the failed attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders with support from three foreign terrorist operatives.
The statement identified the foreign operatives as a Palestinian identified as Abu Ishaq, said to be an ISWAP trainer; a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, who allegedly served as a medical doctor for the group; and another unidentified Arab operative.
According to Goni, the findings further support intelligence reports that ISWAP continues to receive foreign assistance, specialised expertise and transnational support.
Troops also recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
The military added that satellite imagery and human intelligence indicated the terrorists evacuated the bodies of some of those killed during the failed attack, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were airlifted for advanced medical care. They are reported to be in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest operation represents another major blow to ISWAP and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and securing communities across the North-East.
