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Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Terrorist Camcorder Linked to Foreign Operatives
The operation, carried out by soldiers of the 19 Brigade under Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East, demonstrated the military’s continued efforts to prevent terrorist activities and strengthen security across Nigeria’s North-East region.
The attempted attack occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the insurgents reportedly tried to take advantage of the darkness to infiltrate the military position at Cross Kauwa.
Security sources indicated that one of the objectives of the attackers was to loot cholera-related medical supplies.
The incident adds to recent intelligence suggesting that disease outbreaks may be affecting terrorist camps, with reports alleging that some infected members have faced severe internal punishment.
Following the successful defence of the location, troops launched follow-up operations in the surrounding area to assess the impact of the engagement and search for items left behind by the fleeing insurgents.
Among the items recovered was a Sony camcorder, believed to have been carried by a terrorist responsible for documenting the group’s operations. The device reportedly contained video recordings of operational activities as well as propaganda materials.
According to preliminary forensic findings, the last footage recorded before the failed attack suggested that the operation involved four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign facilitators believed to be supporting the terrorist network.
Investigators identified one of the foreign operatives as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian serving as a trainer within the group. Another individual, identified as Abu Thaiba, is reportedly a Moroccan medical doctor working with the terrorist organisation. Authorities also mentioned a third Arab operative whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
The findings are expected to support ongoing intelligence efforts into the group’s international connections and operational structure.
Troops also recovered several items during the post-operation search, including:A Sony camcorder containing operational recordings.
PKT ammunition.
7.62 mm Special ammunition.
Terrorist uniforms.
Other combat-related equipment.
Military assessments supported by satellite imagery reportedly showed insurgents evacuating the bodies of some of those killed during the confrontation. Human intelligence sources also indicated that several other fighters sustained gunshot injuries before withdrawing from the area.
During the firefight, two Nigerian soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured personnel were immediately evacuated by air to receive advanced medical treatment. Military sources confirmed that both soldiers are in stable condition and responding to medical care.
The failed infiltration represents another setback for ISWAP as security forces continue sustained operations across the North-East.
Military authorities believe the latest outcome reflects the increasing difficulty terrorist groups face in launching coordinated attacks against well-prepared troops. Ongoing operations remain focused on disrupting terrorist networks, protecting civilian communities, and restoring lasting peace in affected parts of the region.
In a statement released by the nigerian army, it reads below……..
“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 decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.
The failed attack occurred at about 2220 hours (10:20 p.m.) on 11 July 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ location. 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. 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.
MOHAMMED GONI
Captain
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
MAIDUGURI
12 July, 2026″
See below……….
