Troops Eliminate Top ISWAP Leaders, Arab Fighters
Nigerian troops have eliminated several senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, including two Arab fighters, during a military operation in Borno State.
The operation, carried out on October 31, 2026, also resulted in the deaths of a commander and several other terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army said the offensive followed a major attack by ISWAP fighters on military positions in the area.
According to the military, troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai deployed ground forces and aerial support to repel the terrorists.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Captain Mohammed Goni, confirmed the operation in a statement on Sunday.
He identified two of the eliminated terrorists as Abu Hajara, a prominent member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior commander.
Abul Walid was reportedly a close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali. Two other high-ranking Arab fighters were also killed.
Military authorities disclosed that troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication equipment following the encounter.
Goni described the operation as evidence of the military’s combat readiness and superior firepower against terrorist groups operating across the Northeast.
The latest offensive came barely three days after troops reportedly neutralised 55 terrorists during an encounter in Buni Yadi.
Those killed in the earlier operation included senior commanders Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and sustaining military operations against terrorist groups across the region.
It also pledged to intensify efforts to destroy terrorist camps and dismantle their operational networks.
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