Troops Kill Terrorist Cameraman, Recover Sensitive ISWAP Footage
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a terrorist cameraman and recovering a Sony camcorder containing sensitive operational and propaganda footage.
The military said the failed attack, which occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Friday, ended in heavy casualties for the terrorists after troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, swiftly detected the insurgents’ movement and engaged them with overwhelming firepower.
According to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray after suffering significant losses.
The military disclosed that the insurgents had attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to infiltrate the troops’ location, with intelligence indicating that their objective was to loot cholera medical supplies.
It noted that the attempted theft lends further credence to recent intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within ISWAP enclaves, as well as reports that some infected members had been executed by the group.
A major breakthrough during the operation was the recovery of a Sony camcorder from a neutralised terrorist cameraman.
The military said preliminary forensic analysis of the device revealed highly sensitive recordings, including operational footage and propaganda materials linked to the terrorist group.
According to the findings, the failed attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
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The foreign operatives were identified as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq, believed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, said to be a medical doctor within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established.
The military said the involvement of the foreign nationals reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist backing.
Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation operations and recovered the camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment.
Initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery reportedly showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their dead fighters during their withdrawal.
The military said the imagery was corroborated by credible human intelligence, confirming that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. The military said both personnel are in stable condition.
Operation HADIN KAI described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained offensive operations have continued to degrade the group’s combat capability, morale and freedom of movement across the North-East.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling insurgent networks until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.
By PRNigeria
