In a significant operation conducted by the forces of Operation Hadin Kai, an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman was neutralized, and crucial video evidence was recovered that allegedly highlights the involvement of three foreign terrorist facilitators. Among them is a Palestinian believed to be a trainer for the group, alongside a Moroccan identified as a medical doctor catering to ISWAP's operational needs. This information was disclosed by Captain Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, in a statement released on Sunday.
The operation's success followed an unsuccessful attempt by ISWAP militants to breach military positions in Cross Kauwa, located in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, during the night of July 11, 2026. The terrorists aimed to take advantage of the cover of darkness to infiltrate the troops’ location and seize medical supplies designated for cholera treatment. However, their plans were thwarted as the troops, maintaining vigilance, engaged the attackers with a coordinated and overwhelming response, leading to their retreat amidst heavy casualties.
Captain Goni elaborated on the incident, stating, "The terrorists attempted to infiltrate our location at approximately 10:20 p.m. Troops responded decisively, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray." This incident further substantiates intelligence reports indicating a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps, with indications that some infected members have been executed by the group to prevent the spread of the disease.
The encounter with the ISWAP cameraman resulted in the recovery of a Sony camcorder, which contained operational footage and propaganda material. Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings suggested that the thwarted operation involved coordination by four senior ISWAP commanders, in conjunction with the three foreign operatives identified. The foreign individuals included Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian believed to be the chief trainer for ISWAP, and Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor assisting the group's operations. A third Arab operative remains unidentified.
Goni emphasized that these findings reinforce the ongoing assessments regarding the foreign support ISWAP receives, which includes specialized expertise and connections to transnational terrorist networks. In the aftermath of the operation, troops conducted further exploitation exercises in the vicinity, recovering not only the camcorder but also various rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms, and other combat-related items. Additionally, initial post-operation satellite imagery revealed fleeing terrorists retrieving the bodies of their deceased comrades as they retreated from the encounter.
As reported by dailytimesng.com.
