Troops neutralise four ISWAP leaders, Arab fighters in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised four Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leaders, including Abu Hajara and Abul Walid, alongside two Arab fighters during a gun battle in Borno State.

The operation occurred on October 31, 2026, in the Kukawa Local Government Area, as ground troops, supported by air assets, repelled an attack, eliminating key terrorist elements.

Prominent of all was Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the ISWAP Shura Council and Abul Walid, who served as a commander associated with Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP.

After the successful gun battle, troops recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and various communication devices as the surviving terrorists fled in disarray.

Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, detailed the operational success in a statement;

“The successful engagement further demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation Hadin Kai troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.”

This operational victory comes just three days after troops neutralised 55 terrorists during an attack in Buni Yadi, which led to the elimination of key insurgent commanders, including Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk, and Commander Gogore.

The Theatre Command restates its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens, maintaining joint operations to ensure the total annihilation of terrorists and the destruction of their enclaves across the region.