ISWAP Leadership Suffers Heavy Loss As Troops Eliminate Senior Commanders In Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have reportedly killed two senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) figures, Abu Hajara and Abul Walid, during a military engagement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the operation took place on October 31, 2026, when troops successfully repelled a major attack on their positions by ISWAP fighters using combined ground and air operations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, identified Abu Hajara as a prominent member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, while Abul Walid was described as a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali.

The military also disclosed that two high-ranking Arab fighters and several other terrorists were killed during the encounter. Troops reportedly recovered a significant quantity of weapons, ammunition and communication equipment following the operation.

The Theatre Command described the successful engagement as evidence of the troops’ combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower, noting that the operation had further weakened the terrorist group’s leadership and operational capacity.

The latest encounter reportedly occurred barely three days after another military offensive in Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were said to have been neutralised. Among those identified in that operation were key commanders Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding residents across the North-East, assuring Nigerians that operations would continue against terrorist fighters, their hideouts and operational camps in the region.