Troops neutralise ISWAP Shura council member, high-ranking commanders in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including a high-profile member of the group's Shura Council, during an engagement in Kukawa, Borno State.

Acting Media Information Officer 
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

The operation, conducted on October 31, 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of Abu Hajara, a prominent member of ISWAP's Shura Council, alongside Abul Walid, a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group's overall Wali.

The statement also confirmed the neutralisation of two high-ranking Arab fighters during the engagement.

According to the statement, combined troops deployed in Kukawa successfully repelled a massive ISWAP attack on their positions, deploying superior ground firepower and air support from the Air Component.

“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 including 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 during an engagement in Kukawa, Borno State, on 31 October 2026,” the statement read.

"Combined troops of Joint Task Force deployed Kukawa defeated massive ISWAP terrorists attack on their locations. Troops utilised both ground and air assets from the air component.

"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. 

"The attack on troops location at Kukawa comes barely 3 days after Buni Yadi attack where as at date 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 to protect law abiding citizens and  continue its operations to ensure  total annihiliation  of the terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region.”