Troops Neutralise ISWAP Cameraman, Recover Video Linking Foreign Trainers in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators in Borno State.

The facilitators include a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operation was carried out on Saturday, July 11, 2026, following a failed infiltration attempt by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read: “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa LGA of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

Goni said alert troops detected the hostile movement at about 10:20 p.m. and responded with coordinated firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw after suffering severe losses.

“The attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group,” he said.

According to him, the neutralisation of the terrorist cameraman led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders, Qai’ds, alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. 

“They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

Goni said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

He added that following the engagement, troops dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations.

Items recovered include the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during withdrawal.