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 a statement on Sunday, Captain Mohammed Goni, spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI, said the discovery followed a failed ISWAP attack on troops of the operation in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday night.
According to the military, troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, repelled the attempted infiltration, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. A terrorist cameraman was killed, while troops recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials, along with ammunition, terrorist uniforms, and other combat items.
The military said forensic analysis of the footage indicated the attack was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders and three foreign terrorist facilitators. It identified Abu Ishaq as a Palestinian serving as ISWAP’s overall trainer and Abu Thaiba as a Moroccan medical doctor within the group, while the identity of a third Arab operative remains unknown.
The military also said intelligence indicated the terrorists were attempting to loot cholera medical supplies, suggesting an outbreak within ISWAP enclaves. Two soldiers were injured during the firefight, airlifted for treatment, and are reported to be in stable condition.
