Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

© Punch Newspapers

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Ansaru terrorist group was responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Ansaru terrorist group was responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President made the revelation on Friday in a personally signed statement released shortly after the Presidency confirmed the successful rescue of the victims.

He commended the security forces for their professionalism, courage, and discipline, noting that their efforts ensured the victims were rescued alive and unharmed.

According to the President, no ransom was paid and no concessions were granted to the abductors during the rescue operation.

In the statement, the President said:

“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.

“The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.

“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible.

“To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country.”

The rescue of the victims comes after more than 50 days in captivity and marks the end of an operation involving multiple security agencies.

The incident had sparked widespread concern across Oyo State, with Governor Seyi Makinde earlier describing it as the first major security breach in the state after several years of relative peace. The governor had also assured residents that his administration was working closely with security agencies to secure the victims' release.

OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

… CALLS FOR SUSTAINED COLLABORATION AGAINST INSECURITY 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to a statement on Saturday signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the safe return of the victims after about 56 days in captivity as a significant relief to their families and a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies towards protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The Ooni praised the professionalism, bravery and dedication displayed by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.

Ooni Ogunwusi also commended President Tinubu for providing the needed leadership and support that facilitated the successful operation, while appreciating the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.

He congratulated the parents, guardians and loved ones of the rescued pupils and teachers, noting that their reunion marks the end of a painful period of anxiety, prayers and uncertainty.

The Ooni said, “The successful rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers is a welcome development and a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, security agencies and communities work together towards a common goal.

“I commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and our gallant security personnel for their commitment and determination in ensuring that these innocent children and their teachers return safely to their families.

“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by our security agencies during this operation deserve commendation. Their efforts have restored hope and reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the security challenges facing our nation.”

The African foremost monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant authorities not to relent in their efforts towards preventing future attacks, especially on schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Ooni Ogunwusi stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community engagement and continuous collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to build a safer Nigeria.

He noted that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in promoting peace and security, given their closeness to the people and their understanding of local environments.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the Ooni prayed for the quick recovery of the victims from the traumatic experience and expressed his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the unfortunate incident.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that would aid efforts towards combating criminal activities and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

Signed:

Otunba Moses Olafare,

Director, Media and Public Affairs,

Ooni’s Palace,

Ile-Ife.

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.

FULL LIST:US Publishes names and photos of 124 Nigerians to be deported for crimes.

FULL LIST: US Publishes Names and Photos of 124 Nigerians to be Deported for Crimes The United States has announced an updated deportation list featuring 124 Nigerians. This was disclosed in a statement on the website of the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday. The DHS claimed that these individuals have been placed on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register. While the names and photos have been made public, the timeline for deportations remains undisclosed. However, the US immigration authorities explained that the deportations are part of ongoing immigration enforcement, stressing that those listed were convicted of serious crimes, but declined to provide details about the offences or when deportations would take place. The statement read, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.” The website then listed, “Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba.” Others are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto. “Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke. “Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.” The latest action is part of the sweeping immigration enforcement measures introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump after his return to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to intensify border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants. One of the orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security. Defending the policy, the DHS said the administration was delivering on Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. The department said officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been directed to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the crackdown, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with President Trump’s immigration agenda. Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America. The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as enforcement operations continue. Nigeria has also come under increased scrutiny by the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening. (Elite Richard Isaac.)