By Elizabeth Tanko
Maiduguri, Nigeria – Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have dealt a devastating blow to the leadership and operational capability of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising a high-profile member of its Shura Council and several top commanders during a fierce engagement in Kukawa, Borno State.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
According to him, the troops neutralised Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP, alongside two high-ranking Arab fighters.
The operation took place on October 31, 2026, when combined troops deployed in Kukawa successfully defeated a massive ISWAP attack on their location.
Captain Goni said the troops utilised both ground and air assets from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to repel the attack.
“Combined troops of Joint Task Force deployed in Kukawa defeated massive ISWAP terrorists attack on their locations. Troops utilised both ground and air assets from the air component,” he stated.
Following the engagement, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
He said 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.
The Kukawa attack, he noted, comes 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 continue protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining operations to ensure total annihilation of terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region.
