Troops Repel ISWAP Infiltration Attempt in Borno
Nigerian Army troops attached to 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, successfully repelled a large-scale ISWAP assault on their position in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2026.
The Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, Captain Mohammed Goni, stated that ISWAP fighters attempted to use darkness as cover to breach the troops' location and loot cholera medical supplies stored there. The Joint Task Force described the failed assault as the latest in a series of operational setbacks for ISWAP.
Key Intelligence Breakthrough: Camcorder Recovered
During the firefight, troops killed a terrorist cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder from his body. Preliminary forensic analysis of the device's recordings indicated that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders, referred to as Qai'ds, alongside three foreign nationals.
Among those identified were Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab assessed to be ISWAP's overall trainer, and Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan Arab described as a medical doctor embedded within the terrorist network. A third Arab operative also featured in the footage, though his identity had not been established at the time of the statement.
Captain Goni noted that the presence of these foreign facilitators reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to draw on external expertise and transnational networks to sustain its operations.
Details of the Assault and Aftermath
Troops detected the movement early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray after sustaining severe losses. In addition to the camcorder, troops recovered PKT and 7.62 mm Special ammunition rounds, terrorist uniforms, and other combat materials.
Post-engagement satellite imagery reviewed by the military showed fighters evacuating bodies during their withdrawal. Human intelligence sources confirmed heavy casualties among the attackers, with several others nursing gunshot wounds.
Two Nigerian soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the engagement and were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
Broader Context of Military Operations
In a separate operation, troops of Operation Fansan Yanma killed several bandits, including the son of bandit leader Ado Alero, during a major operation in Zamfara State. The Nigerian Armed Forces Facebook page claimed at least 65 terrorists were neutralised in that operation.
Additionally, troops of 8 Division/Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, carried out a clearance operation in Kebbi State on November 19, 2025, killing several terrorists and bandits. Sources said that gunfight was not related to the rescue of 25 students abducted from Government Secondary School, Maga.
