The Nigerian Military says preliminary forensic analysis has uncovered the involvement of a Moroccan and a Palestinian among foreign operatives fighting alongside the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the country.
The military said the discovery followed a failed ISWAP attack on troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa LGA of Borno state.
Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, repelled an attempted infiltration of their location in Cross Kauwa on Friday night, inflicting what the military described as heavy casualties on the attackers.
The military said the terrorists attempted to loot cholera medical supplies, reinforcing intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within ISWAP enclaves.
In a statement on Sunday, Captain Mohammed Goni, spokesman of Operation HADIN KAI, said a terrorist cameraman was neutralised during the encounter. He added that troops recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials.
According to the military, preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings indicated that the failed attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
The military identified one of the operatives as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian and assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer. It also identified Abu Thaiba, described as a Moroccan medical doctor serving within the terrorist network. The military 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 reads.
The military said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, PKT ammunition, 7.62mm special rounds, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during exploitation operations.
It said satellite imagery and human intelligence indicated that the insurgents evacuated the bodies of some of their fighters after the failed attack, while several others sustained gunshot wounds.
The military added that two soldiers were injured during the exchange of fire and were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. It said both personnel are in stable condition.
The military said the failed infiltration represented another operational setback for ISWAP and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across the north-east.