By SUNTV Global Channel
Troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military position at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday but were detected by soldiers, who responded with overwhelming firepower.
The military said several insurgents were killed during the encounter, while others fled the scene after suffering heavy casualties.
Security officials disclosed that one of those killed was believed to be an ISWAP cameraman. Troops reportedly recovered a Sony camcorder from the scene containing operational footage and propaganda materials allegedly linked to the terrorist group.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the recovered device reportedly identified the involvement of four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign operatives suspected of providing support to the insurgents.
According to the military, the foreign nationals include a Palestinian identified as Abu Ishaq, described as a trainer within the group, and a Moroccan national identified as Abu Thaiba, who was alleged to be serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist network. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the identity of another foreign suspect.
Military authorities further revealed that intelligence reports suggest the attackers intended to loot cholera medical supplies from the community, a development they say supports claims of a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps.
Items recovered after the operation included the Sony camcorder, ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment abandoned during the insurgents’ retreat.
The military also stated that post-operation satellite imagery and intelligence reports indicated that the fleeing insurgents evacuated the bodies of some of their dead fighters, while several others sustained gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers were injured during the exchange of gunfire and were immediately airlifted to a medical facility for treatment. Military authorities confirmed that both personnel are currently in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed attack as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that intensified military operations across the North-East have continued to weaken the group’s ability to carry out coordinated attacks.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace to the region.
