Military links failed ISWAP attack in Borno to foreign terrorists

The Nigerian military says early forensic checks found three foreign terrorists behind a failed attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on troops in Borno State. One of them is a Palestinian and another is a Moroccan.

This information came from a statement by Mohammed Goni, who is the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.

Mr Goni, a captain in the Nigerian Army, said they identified the foreign terrorists after an attempt to attack troops at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area on Saturday night. He said the task force soldiers stopped the attack after a fierce gun battle.

He mentioned that a forensic examination of a Sony camcorder found with a killed terrorist cameraman showed that four senior ISWAP commanders worked with the three foreign terrorists to plan the failed operation.

According to Mr Goni, the foreign operatives include a Palestinian called Abu Ishaq, who is believed to be ISWAP’s main trainer. There is also a Moroccan named Abu Thaiba, who is described as a medical doctor linked to the terrorist group. The identity of the third Arab operative is still unknown.

Mr Goni said these findings support intelligence reports that ISWAP is still getting help from outsiders and specialists, despite ongoing military efforts in the North-east.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that a joint operation by Nigerian and United States troops targeted a terrorist hideout in the Lake Chad basin in May. This operation killed many ISWAP fighters, including a commander named Abubakar Mainok.

Even with that operation, which both Nigerian and US authorities said weakened ISWAP, the group remains a threat.

Mr Goni said the attack happened around 10:20 p.m. on July 11. He said the terrorists tried to use the cover of night to break into the troops' area.

He stated that the troops noticed the movement early and fired back, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy losses.

The military spokesperson said intelligence reports suggest the insurgents aimed to steal cholera medical supplies. He said this supports recent intelligence about a cholera outbreak among terrorists and that some affected members were executed by the group.

After the gunfight, Mr Goni said troops carried out search operations and found the Sony camcorder, terrorist uniforms, rounds of PKT and 7.62 mm Special ammunition, and other combat gear.

He said satellite images taken after the fight showed terrorists taking the bodies of some of their fighters as they withdrew. He added that human intelligence sources confirmed the group faced heavy losses, with many fighters wounded.

However, two soldiers were injured during the gunfight and were flown out for advanced medical care. The military spokesperson said both soldiers are in stable condition.

Mr Goni described the failed attack as another big blow to ISWAP. He said this shows the increasing pressure on the group and their growing struggle to carry out coordinated attacks against military targets.