The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of foreign terrorist facilitators in the failed ISWAP attack on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), successfully repelled the attempted infiltration, demonstrating their vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness in denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North East.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when ISWAP fighters attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to infiltrate the troops’ position.

He said the troops quickly detected the movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

According to the military, the attempted theft of medical supplies supports recent intelligence reports indicating a cholera outbreak within terrorist camps, as well as reports that some infected members were executed by the group.

Captain Goni also disclosed that the elimination of a terrorist cameraman during the operation led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing sensitive footage, including operational recordings and terrorist propaganda materials.

He said preliminary forensic analysis of the final video recorded before the attack showed that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds) alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.

The foreign operatives were identified as a Palestinian Arab, Abu Ishaq, believed to be ISWAP’s chief trainer; a Moroccan Arab, Abu Thaiba, who serves as a medical doctor within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity has yet to be established.

According to the military, the presence and active participation of these foreign nationals further strengthens intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialist expertise and backing through transnational terrorist networks.