Borno: Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Trainers

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cameraman and uncovered evidence of foreign terrorist involvement in Borno State. The operation also revealed the presence of a Palestinian trainer and a Moroccan doctor working with the insurgents.

According to Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Muhammed Goni, the incident occurred on Saturday night when ISWAP fighters attempted to infiltrate Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area. The terrorists tried to exploit the cover of darkness to loot cholera medical supplies but were repelled by alert troops.

Troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray. Several terrorists were killed, and many others sustained gunshot wounds. Satellite imagery later confirmed that ISWAP evacuated the bodies of its dead fighters.

During the operation, soldiers recovered a Sony camcorder containing propaganda footage and operational recordings. Forensic analysis revealed that four ISWAP commanders coordinated the attack alongside three foreign facilitators. The foreign operatives included Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian trainer, and Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan doctor. The identity of the third foreign operative remains unknown.

Military intelligence suggests ISWAP attempted to steal medical supplies due to a cholera outbreak in their camps. Reports also indicate that the group executed some of its members who were affected by the disease.

Two Nigerian soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight. They were evacuated for advanced medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.

The Army stated that the failed infiltration marks another setback for ISWAP, highlighting the increasing difficulty the group faces in mounting coordinated attacks. Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting communities, and dismantling terrorist networks across the Northeast.