Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have killed four senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two high-ranking Arab fighters, during a military operation in Borno State.
The terrorists were killed on October 31, 2026, during an encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area after insurgents launched a major attack on military positions in the area.
The acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Goni said the troops, supported by air assets, successfully repelled the attack and inflicted casualties on the insurgents.
He identified those killed as Abu Hajara, a prominent member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali.
Two other high-ranking Arab fighters and several foot soldiers were also killed during the engagement.
According to the statement, the troops recovered several arms, ammunition and communication devices following the operation.
Goni described the engagement as a significant setback for ISWAP’s leadership and operational capacity, adding that the military would sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East.
He said the attack on the troops’ positions in Kukawa occurred barely three days after another military engagement in Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were reportedly neutralised.
Among those killed in the Buni Yadi operation were key commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding residents and sustaining military operations aimed at eliminating terrorist groups and destroying their camps across the region.
