Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman and recovered video materials allegedly revealing the involvement of three foreign terrorist facilitators during an operation in Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to Goni, the operation followed a failed infiltration attempt by ISWAP fighters into Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday.
He said the terrorists attempted to use the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.
The military said alert troops detected the movement at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
Goni noted that the attempted theft of medical supplies supports recent intelligence suggesting a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports that some infected members had been executed by the group.
During the operation, troops killed a suspected ISWAP cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials.
According to preliminary forensic analysis, the last recorded video allegedly showed that the attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign facilitators.
The military identified one of them as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq, who is believed to serve as the group’s chief trainer. Another was identified as a Moroccan Arab, Abu Thaiba, who reportedly functions as a medical doctor within the terrorist network, while the identity of a third Arab operative has yet to be established.
Goni said the presence of the foreign nationals reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialised expertise and transnational terrorist assistance.
He added that troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during follow-up exploitation operations.
According to the military, post-operation satellite imagery and credible human intelligence indicated that the terrorists evacuated the bodies of several fighters killed during the encounter, while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The statement also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the firefight and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. Both personnel were reported to be in stable condition.
The military described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP, stressing that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.
