Troops Kill ISWAP Shura Council Member, Senior Commander In Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Shura Council, Abu Hajara, and a senior commander, Abul Walid, during a fierce encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, also led to the killing of two high-ranking Arab fighters and several other terrorists.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri.

According to the statement, troops deployed in Kukawa successfully repelled a massive attack by ISWAP terrorists on their positions, deploying ground forces and air assets from the operation’s Air Component.

The military identified Abul Walid as a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP.

The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the recovery of scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices.

The military described the operation as another demonstration of the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre.

It noted that the attack on military positions in Kukawa came barely three days after a similar encounter in Buni Yadi, where no fewer than 55 terrorists were reportedly killed.

Among those killed in the Buni Yadi operation were key ISWAP 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 citizens and sustaining military operations until terrorist elements were defeated and their camps destroyed across the region.

It also assured residents that troops would maintain pressure on insurgents as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.