Nigerian troops have recovered video footage allegedly revealing the presence of foreign terrorist facilitators within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a Palestinian identified as the group’s trainer and a Moroccan serving as a medical doctor.
According to Punch, the discovery followed a failed ISWAP attack on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday, where troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled an infiltration attempt.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said troops neutralised an ISWAP cameraman during the operation and recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials.
Goni said preliminary forensic analysis of the recovered recordings indicated that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
He identified the foreign nationals as a Palestinian known as Abu Ishaq, described as ISWAP’s overall trainer, a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, who reportedly serves as a medical doctor for the group, and another Arab operative whose identity has yet to be established.
According to the Army, the findings reinforce intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist links.
The military said the terrorists launched the attack at about 10:20 pm on July 11 under the cover of darkness, allegedly intending to loot cholera medical supplies. Alert troops detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
The Army said the attempted theft of medical supplies supports recent intelligence reports suggesting a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps and claims that some infected fighters had been executed by the group.
Following the operation, troops recovered the Sony camcorder, terrorist uniforms, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm special ammunition, and other combat equipment. Satellite imagery and human intelligence reportedly confirmed that the insurgents evacuated the bodies of several slain fighters during their withdrawal.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the engagement and were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. The Army said both personnel remain in stable condition.
Operation Hadin Kai said it remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East.
