Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Terrorist Camcorder, Neutralise Several Fighters
Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and recovering critical intelligence materials.
The attempted attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, 11 July 2026, when the terrorists reportedly tried to exploit the cover of darkness to infiltrate the troops’ location.
According to military authorities, vigilant troops detected the advancing terrorists early and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, forcing the insurgents to abandon the attack and retreat in disarray after suffering significant losses.
Military sources said preliminary findings indicate that the terrorists had intended to loot cholera medical supplies, lending further support to recent intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves. Intelligence also indicates that some infected members of the group were allegedly executed by the terrorists.
During exploitation operations, troops neutralised several terrorists, including a suspected terrorist cameraman. A Sony camcorder recovered from the scene reportedly contained operational footage and propaganda materials belonging to the insurgent group.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings indicated that the failed operation was allegedly coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders, supported by three foreign terrorist facilitators. Military intelligence identified one of the foreign operatives as Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian believed to serve as a senior trainer for the group, while another, identified as Abu Thaiba, is reportedly a Moroccan medical doctor operating within the terrorist network. A third foreign operative has yet to be identified.
The military said the discovery reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist assistance.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat-related items.
Military authorities added that post-operation satellite imagery, supported by credible human intelligence, confirmed that the terrorists evacuated the bodies of several neutralised fighters while withdrawing from the battlefield. Many other insurgents were also reported to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
During the firefight, two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. Both personnel are reported to be in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed attack as another major operational setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained offensive operations across the North-East continue to degrade the group’s operational capability, morale and freedom of movement.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-East.
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Recover Terrorist Camcorder, Neutralise Several Fighters