Mitary Repel ISWAP Attack on Military Base in Borno

The military have repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several of the attackers and forcing others to flee.

In a press release signed by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Friday when the insurgents attempted to infiltrate a military position under the cover of darkness.

The statement said troops of operation Had in Kai detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, preventing the attackers from overrunning the location. It added that the insurgents were believed to have intended to loot cholera medical supplies.

During exploitation of the area, troops recovered a Sony camcorder, ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other military items.

The military said preliminary forensic analysis of footage recovered from the camcorder suggested the operation involved four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign nationals, including two identified as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian trainer, and Abu Thaiba, said to be a Moroccan medical doctor. It said the findings pointed to alleged foreign support for the terrorist group.

The statement added that satellite imagery and human intelligence indicated that the insurgents suffered heavy casualties during the attack as they were seen evacuating the bodies of some of their fighters.

Two soldiers were wounded during the exchange of fire and were evacuated by air for medical treatment. The military said both are in stable condition.

The military have said it would continue offensive operations against insurgents until peace and security are restored in the North-East.