Troops kill ISWAP leaders, Arab fighters in Borno - Punch Newspapers

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised four leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, including two Arabs, a commander and several of their foot soldiers in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Army said they were neutralised on October 31, 2026, by combined troops of the Joint Task Force deployed to Kukawa following a massive ISWAP terrorists attack on their locations.

The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Mohammed Goni, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops utilised both ground and air assets from the air component.

The statement read: “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have dealt a significant blow to the leadership and operational capability of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising several terrorists during an engagement in Kukawa, Borno State, on 31 October 2026.”

He said the neutralised four terrorists include Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP and 2 high ranking Arab fighters.

Goni noted that following the engagement, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices.

“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,” Goni stated.

He said the attack on troops’ location at Kukawa came barely three days after the Buni Yadi attack where 55 terrorists were neutralised, including key commanders such as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.

“The Theatre Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and to continue its operations to ensure total annihilation of the terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region,” he said.

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