Nigerian troops have foiled a night-time Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) infiltration attempt in Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, killing several terrorists, wounding others.
They also recovered a camera containing sensitive footage that revealed the involvement of foreign commanders in the operation.
The attack occurred at around 10:20 pm on 11 July 2026, when ISWAP fighters attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the location of troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, at Cross Kauwa.
Alert troops detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
The military said the attackers had been attempting to loot cholera medical supplies, a detail it said lent credibility to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves and the execution of some affected members by the group.
Army said among those killed during the engagement was a terrorist cameraman, adding that a Sony camcorder recovered from him contained operational footage and propaganda materials.
Preliminary forensic analysis of the last video recorded before the attack revealed it was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign facilitators.
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The foreigners included a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP's overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, described as a medical doctor within the network; and a third Arab operative whose identity has yet to be established.
In addition, Troops recovered several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.
Post-engagement satellite imagery showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their fallen fighters during their withdrawal, which credible human intelligence subsequently confirmed, indicating the group suffered heavy casualties with many others wounded.
According to the Army, two Nigerian soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight but were evacuated by air for medical care and now in stable condition.
"The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre.
"The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty the terrorists face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.
"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," Army said.
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