TROOPS REPEL ISWAP ASSAULT ON CROSS KAUWA, INTELLIGENCE LINKS FOREIGN OPERATIVES TO FAILED MISSION
Troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attempted ISWAP incursion into Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and forcing the surviving attackers to withdraw after an intense gun battle.
Military sources disclosed that the assault occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the insurgents advanced under the cover of darkness in an effort to penetrate the military position. Troops detected the movement early and responded with sustained fire, frustrating the operation before the terrorists could gain access to the location.
Intelligence available after the engagement indicated that the attackers intended to cart away cholera medical supplies kept within the area. Security officials said the objective aligns with recent intelligence suggesting a cholera outbreak inside terrorist camps, alongside reports that members infected with the disease had been executed by the group.
One of the insurgents killed during the encounter was identified as the group's cameraman. Troops recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational recordings, propaganda videos and other digital materials considered valuable for intelligence exploitation.
Preliminary forensic examination of the recovered footage pointed to the participation of four senior ISWAP commanders, also known as Qai'ds, who reportedly directed the operation with support from three foreign terrorist facilitators. Military intelligence identified one of them as Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian believed to coordinate combat training for the group. Another was identified as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor operating within the terrorist network, while the identity of a third Arab operative is still being examined.
Security officials believe the findings strengthen earlier intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive foreign assistance through experienced operatives who contribute training, medical support and other specialised services.
Following the firefight, troops secured the area and commenced exploitation operations to determine the scale of the insurgents' losses. Recovered items included the Sony camcorder, PKT ammunition, 7.62 millimetre Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.
Military sources added that satellite imagery obtained after the engagement showed insurgents evacuating the bodies of their fallen fighters while retreating from the battlefield. Human intelligence gathered afterwards supported the imagery, indicating that several terrorists were killed while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire. They were evacuated by air for specialist medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The failed operation adds to a series of battlefield reverses recorded against ISWAP during recent military operations across the North East. Security authorities maintain that sustained offensive action is placing increasing pressure on the terrorist group, reducing its ability to organise coordinated attacks and weakening its operational capacity across the theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops would sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells, safeguarding civilian communities and restoring security across the North East.
