Troops Strike ISWAP Hideout, Kill Cameraman and Expose Foreign Terrorist Connections

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed an alleged cameraman for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a failed terrorist attack in Borno State, while recovering intelligence materials said to indicate the presence of foreign terrorist facilitators within the insurgent group.

According to the Nigerian Army on Sunday, the operation was carried out on Saturday night after ISWAP fighters reportedly attempted to infiltrate Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area under the cover of darkness, allegedly to steal cholera-related medical supplies.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, said vigilant troops detected the terrorists’ movement and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to retreat after suffering significant casualties.

During the operation, soldiers recovered a Sony camcorder believed to belong to the slain ISWAP cameraman. The Army said a preliminary forensic review of footage stored on the device pointed to the involvement of three foreign terrorist facilitators working with the group.

According to the military, one of the individuals was identified as a Palestinian known as Abu Ishaq, who is believed to serve as ISWAP’s chief trainer, while another, identified as Moroccan national Abu Thaiba, allegedly functions as the group’s medical doctor. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify a third foreign operative captured in the recovered material.

The Army noted that the discovery reinforces intelligence assessments suggesting that ISWAP maintains links with foreign terrorist networks and continues to benefit from external expertise, training and operational support.

Troops also recovered terrorist uniforms, ammunition and other combat equipment from the battlefield.

The military added that satellite imagery and credible human intelligence indicated that several insurgents were killed during the confrontation, while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The attempted raid, according to the Army, lends further support to intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps, with insurgents allegedly seeking medical supplies to treat infected members. Reports also suggest that some infected fighters were executed by fellow terrorists.

Two Nigerian soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were airlifted for medical treatment. The Army said both personnel are responding well to treatment and are in stable condition.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across the North-East until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.