Failed Attack Leads to Discovery of Foreign Operatives
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered videos and pictures from a slain Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman, revealing the presence of foreign operatives within the terrorist group. The materials, obtained after foiling an attempted ISWAP attack on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday night, show a Palestinian trainer and a Moroccan doctor working with the insurgents.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate a military position around 10:20 p.m. with the aim of looting cholera medical supplies. Alert troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, killing several fighters, including the group's cameraman, while forcing others to flee.
Recovered Camcorder Yields Vital Intelligence
Troops recovered a Sony camcorder from the dead cameraman containing videos, photographs, and propaganda materials linked to ISWAP operations. A preliminary analysis of the footage identified three foreign facilitators embedded within the terrorist group: Palestinian facilitator Abu Ishaq, who acts as the primary combat trainer for ISWAP fighters; Moroccan national Abu Thaiba, serving as a medical doctor for the group; and a third foreign operative whose identity is still being verified by Nigerian military intelligence.
The military said the findings point to continued foreign support for ISWAP's activities in northeastern Nigeria. Captain Goni stated, "The recovered footage provides clear evidence of foreign involvement in the insurgency, and we are working to identify all individuals involved."
Weapons and Equipment Seized
Troops also recovered several items from the scene, including a Sony camcorder, PKT ammunition, 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms, and other military equipment. Satellite imagery later showed surviving fighters evacuating the bodies of those killed during the operation, while intelligence sources indicated that several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Terrorists Targeted Cholera Supplies
The military said the terrorists were specifically targeting cholera medical supplies, a move that supports intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak has affected some ISWAP camps. Captain Goni noted that earlier intelligence suggested infected fighters had been executed by members of the group to prevent the disease from spreading.
Two Soldiers Injured
The military confirmed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the operation. Both were airlifted for treatment and are in stable condition. Operation Hadin Kai said it would continue offensive operations against terrorist groups across the North-East until a lasting peace is restored.
