Troops Uncover Foreign Links To Terrorists, Kill ISWAP Cameraman In Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed an ISWAP cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage that the military said has revealed the involvement of foreign terrorist facilitators in a failed attack on Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, “The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.”

Captain Goni said preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings showed that “the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.”

He identified the foreign operatives as “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.”

According to the military, “The presence and active involvement of these foreign nationals further reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.”

The military said the cameraman was killed when troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, repelled an attempted infiltration of their position at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday.

It said, “Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses.”

The statement said intelligence suggested the terrorists intended to loot cholera medical supplies, noting that “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.”

Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation operations and recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat enablers.

The statement added that “initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal,” a finding it said was later corroborated by credible human intelligence sources.

Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.

Describing the outcome as another setback for ISWAP, Captain Goni said the operation demonstrated “the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre,” adding that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.