The military has confirmed that preliminary forensic findings from a foiled ISWAP attacked on Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State revealed the active involvement of foreign fighters, including a medical doctor, supporting the terrorist group as it grapples with a cholera outbreak.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled the infiltration attempt on the night of 11 July 2026, targeting medical supplies in Kukawa LGA.
According to the military, the raid was aimed at looting cholera drugs, an indication that the disease has spread within terrorist camps.
The breakthrough came after troops neutralised a terrorist cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Mohammed Goni, the OPHK’s spokesman said analysis of the device showed the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign facilitators.
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“Among them is Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan Arab identified as a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network, and Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer.
Goni said the identity of a third Arab operative is yet to be established.
“The presence and active involvement of these foreign nationals further reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages,” the statement said.
Security analysts say the inclusion of a foreign doctor points to ISWAP’s effort to manage internal health crises, including cholera, as conditions in its hideouts deteriorate.
The group has also been accused of executing some of its own members affected by the outbreak.
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In addition to the camcorder, troops recovered ammunition, uniforms and other combat materials. Satellite imagery confirmed ISWAP evacuated bodies of its fighters after suffering heavy losses.
Two soldiers were wounded and are receiving treatment.
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