The Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated militants, ISWAP on Monday claimed it coordinated an attack against the Nigerian troops involving the use of suicide bombers and direct assault.
They claimed that two suicide bombers identified as Abu Aisha al-Barnawi and Abu Saddiq al-Muhajir believed to be a foreign national detonated vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) at military defensive positions, paving the way for a ground assault.
They claimed that Seven military vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, were reportedly destroyed in the assault.
Images purportedly taken by the attackers were shared online, showcasing the aftermath of the attack and captured military equipment.
FACT
Contrary to ISWAP’s claims, only three Nigerian soldiers paid the supreme price in the attack, few other soldiers were wounded while the troops in supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the assault. The militant deployed four VBIED at the army camp, two were detonated while two others were destroyed.
Attached is a photo of this armored vehicles that was destroyed by the Air Task Force but in their own narrative, they were showcasing the militant on the vehicle and advancing towards the camp. This was its usual propaganda style, of exaggerating its role in the assault by fabricating details to mislead the public and bolster its image after suffering a decisive defeat.
Two of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) deployed by ISWAP for the attack were destroyed by precision airstrikes from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai before they could inflict significant damage.
Additionally, the military recovered over 40 motorcycles and numerous weapons abandoned by the fleeing insurgents, highlighting the failed nature of the operation.
During mop-up operations, 10 ISWAP fighters were confirmed dead, and one was captured alive, further degrading the group’s operational capacity.
One ISWAP fighters who survived the suyanisation and barbecue was captured alive with bullets injuries by the troops. The fighter confessed that several fighters were killed while dozens of others were injured.
The weapons displayed by ISWAP in their propaganda images were not captured during the Kukawa attack, as falsely claimed. The operation at Kukawa was part of a broader plan by ISWAP to use smuggled weapons and equipment brought in through the Chikka-Bulgaram axis along the Nigeria-Cameroon border and the Kano-Geidam axis near the Nigeria-Niger border. However, the group’s plans were effectively disrupted by the military’s vigilance.
Analysis reveals that one of the photos was taken from a previous attack in Kareto, showcasing ISWAP’s habitual recycling of images to deceive their audience.
Military intelligence indicates that ISWAP had planned to overrun three Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), including the one at Kukawa, with the intent of capturing these strategic positions. However, the swift and coordinated response by the Nigerian Army’s Sector 3 forces and the 101 Special Forces Battalion, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, foiled their plans. Airstrikes targeted ISWAP fighters retreating along the Gudumbali-Kukawa road, where they suffered another significant casualties as they came out to evacuate their dead bodies and motorcycles.
ISWAP’s reliance on exaggerated claims and recycled images is a clear attempt to mask its losses and project strength. The attack on Kukawa was a FAILED MISSION, and their propaganda campaign is aimed at creating a false narrative of success.
By Zagazola Makama
