MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA:  Nigerian military forces under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative and uncovered footage revealing the involvement of foreign specialists within the insurgent group's ranks in Borno State.

The encounter occurred in Cross Kauwa, located in the Kukawa Local Government Area, when troops successfully repelled an attempted nighttime infiltration by the terrorist group.

Failed Raid and Intelligence Findings

According to military spokesperson Captain Muhammed Goni, the clash took place around 10:20 p.m. when ISWAP fighters attempted to breach military positions. The attackers were reportedly targeting cholera medical supplies, aligning with intelligence reports indicating a severe outbreak of the disease within terrorist enclaves. Alert troops engaged the insurgents with heavy firepower, forcing them to retreat with significant casualties. Satellite imagery and local intelligence later confirmed that the retreating fighters evacuated several bodies and sustained numerous injuries.

During the post-engagement sweep, troops recovered ammunition, combat uniforms, and a Sony camcorder belonging to a neutralized ISWAP cameraman. Preliminary forensic analysis of the captured video files revealed footage of operational planning and propaganda. Notably, the data identified four senior ISWAP commanders working alongside three foreign facilitators:

• Abu Ishaq: A Palestinian national identified as the group's primary trainer.

• Abu Thaiba: A Moroccan medical doctor providing healthcare services within the network.

• An Unidentified Operative: A third individual of Arab descent whose identity remains under investigation.

Operational Impact

Military officials stated that the presence of these foreign nationals reinforces long-standing intelligence regarding ISWAP’s reliance on external expertise and transnational terrorist networks.

Two Nigerian soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight. Both were evacuated by air for medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.

The failed assault marks a significant operational setback for ISWAP, as ongoing military pressure across the North East Theatre continues to restrict the group's mobility, lower morale, and disrupt its capability to launch coordinated attacks against fortified positions. Operation Hadin Kai has reconfirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations to restore long-term security to the region.