Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering critical intelligence materials, including a camcorder containing operational footage.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to breach the troops’ location under the cover of darkness.
The troops reportedly detected the movement early and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
Military authorities disclosed that the terrorists had intended to loot cholera medical supplies, a development they said supports intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves and alleged executions of infected members by the group.
During the operation, troops neutralised a terrorist cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational videos and propaganda materials.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings reportedly identified four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign terrorist facilitators coordinating the failed attack. The foreign nationals were identified as Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab believed to be ISWAP’s chief trainer; Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor within the terrorist network; and another unidentified Arab operative.
The military said the findings reinforce intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from foreign support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist links.
Following the engagement, troops conducted exploitation operations and recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment.
Post-operation satellite imagery and credible human intelligence reportedly confirmed that the fleeing terrorists evacuated the bodies of some of their fighters, while many others sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Two soldiers were injured in the firefight and were immediately airlifted for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed attack as another major setback for ISWAP, stressing that sustained military pressure has continued to degrade the group’s operational capability, morale and freedom of movement across the North-East.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
