Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Cross Kauwa, Recover Camcorder Linked to Foreign Terror Facilitators
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled a coordinated infiltration attempt by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and recovering a camcorder containing intelligence materials linking the operation to foreign terrorist facilitators.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Friday, July 11, when scores of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military position under the cover of darkness.
The sources said troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, detected the advancing insurgents early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon the assault and retreat after suffering significant losses.
According to the sources, the terrorists had intended to loot cholera-related medical supplies from the community, a development believed to support recent intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps around the Lake Chad region.
The sources added that the attempted raid also aligns with previous intelligence reports suggesting that some infected fighters had allegedly been executed by the group in an effort to contain the outbreak.
During exploitation of the battlefield, troops recovered a Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items.
Military intelligence officers who conducted a preliminary forensic examination of the recovered camera reportedly found operational videos and propaganda materials. The latest recording before the failed attack allegedly showed that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
The foreign nationals were identified as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq, believed to be the group’s chief trainer; a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, reportedly serving as a medical doctor within the terrorist network; and another unidentified Arab operative whose identity is still being investigated.
Security sources said the findings further reinforce intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialised expertise and transnational terrorist assistance.
Further analysis of post-battle satellite imagery reportedly showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of their dead fighters during the withdrawal. Human intelligence sources also confirmed that several insurgents were killed, while many others sustained gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers were wounded during the exchange of fire and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. Military authorities said both personnel are in stable condition.
The military described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained offensive operations across the North-East have continued to degrade the group’s operational capability and restrict its freedom of movement.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
