Nigerian troops have uncovered fresh evidence suggesting foreign involvement in terrorist activities after a successful military operation against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
The discovery followed a failed attack by terrorists and has raised new concerns about the group’s international connections.
The operation was carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. During the mission, a suspected ISWAP cameraman was neutralised, while a Sony camcorder containing sensitive videos and propaganda materials was recovered.
The Operation Hadin Kai mission has become a major talking point because the recovered footage reportedly revealed the presence of foreign facilitators working with the terrorist group. Moreover, military authorities said the findings strengthen earlier intelligence reports about ISWAP’s international network.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, the terrorists launched the attack on Saturday night under the cover of darkness.
He explained that the gunmen attempted to infiltrate the military position in Cross Kauwa to steal cholera medical supplies. However, alert troops quickly detected their movement before they could achieve their objective.
The military spokesman stated, “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 Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.”
He added, “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.”
Furthermore, Goni revealed that the attack happened around 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026. The terrorists reportedly hoped to take advantage of the darkness before troops responded with overwhelming firepower.
According to him, “Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses.”
Meanwhile, the recovery of the Sony camcorder has provided investigators with valuable intelligence. Preliminary forensic analysis reportedly exposed important details about the group’s leadership and foreign support structure.
The military disclosed that the final video found inside the device showed four senior ISWAP commanders coordinating the operation alongside three foreign facilitators.
According to Goni, “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.”
He further stated, “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.”
The military identified one of the foreign nationals as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq. He is believed to serve as ISWAP’s chief trainer.
In addition, another foreign operative was identified as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan Arab reportedly working as a medical doctor within the terrorist network. A third Arab facilitator was also seen in the footage. However, his identity has not yet been confirmed.
According to the military, these discoveries support previous intelligence suggesting that ISWAP continues to receive foreign assistance, technical knowledge and operational support.
Following the operation, troops secured the area and launched further searches to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ losses. Several items were recovered, including ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.
Furthermore, satellite images reportedly showed surviving terrorists evacuating the bodies of their fallen members. Human intelligence sources later confirmed that several fighters were killed, while many others sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Meanwhile, two Nigerian soldiers suffered gunshot injuries during the firefight. They were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
The Operation continues to intensify military pressure on terrorist groups operating across Nigeria’s North East. Consequently, security authorities believe the latest operation has further weakened ISWAP’s ability to organise large-scale attacks.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, Goni said, “Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East.”
Moreover, the discovery of foreign links may strengthen future counter-terrorism efforts aimed at disrupting international support for extremist groups operating within the region.
